Caracas, December 24 (teleSUR-RHC)-- The Venezuelan National Assembly swore in 13 new Supreme Court judges and 21 substitutes on Wednesday.

United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) legislators stated that nearly 400 lawyers had been considered by the postulations committee of the assembly for the positions, with nominations made by October this year.

Among other things, the Supreme Court has the power to rule on the possible impeachment of a president, vice president, ministers, and other positions.  The National Assembly needs two-thirds support to change members of the Supreme Court, but after failing to reach that in two votes, on a third vote the assembly can pass the measures with just a simple majority. 

The PSUV only has a simple majority and put forward the motion twice on Tuesday without it being passed.  However, it successfully passed in a third round on Wednesday. 

The newly-elected National Assembly, with a right-wing majority, will take office on January 5th.