QUITO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The members of Ecuador's newly created National Judicial Council (NJC) were sworn in Wednesday amid cries of foul play from the opposition.
The NJC's five members and five substitute members took the oath of office at a plenary session of the National Assembly. Opposition lawmakers walked out during the proceedings to protest the make-up of the council.
Opponents claimed that the council, which oversees the judicial branch, was overwhelmingly dominated by members of the ruling party.
The NJC board was appointed by the Citizen Participation and Social Control Council, based on proposals of the government, the parliament, the Supreme Court, the Attorney General's Office, and the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The council replaces an earlier temporary body created to restructure Ecuador's judicial system following a public referendum in May 2011.
The new council, which officially start to work next Monday, will be headed by former Justice Minister Gustavo Jalkh.
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