Mexico's Capital Close To Becoming 32nd State

Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico's Senate approved a measure on Tuesday that would transform the capital into the nation's 32nd state, with a governor and its own constitution.

The Senate voted 74-20 to change the status of Mexico City, which is currently administered as the Federal District, known as "El DF."

The constitutional change now goes to the local legislatures of the country's 31 states in order to get final approval.

While capital residents have voted for mayors since 1997, the presidency still has some powers over the district.

Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera welcomed the vote, saying the city was taking a "historic step on the path to autonomy."

A constituent assembly will be formed in the coming weeks to draft a constitution for the metropolis of 21 million people.