MEXICO: Verdict on electoral fraud awaited

Mexico is still awaiting the outcome of a recount of votes cast at 9% of polling places in the July 2 presidential election. Centre-left candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who according to initial results lost by 0.58% to right-wing candidate Felipe Calderon, submitted evidence of fraud at the majority of polling places to the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) and demanded a full recount. He has condemned the partial recount ordered by the IFE and, expecting that the outcome of the election will not be changed, has announced a plan of continued protests and acts of civil disobedience. The campaign has so far included an ongoing occupation of the centre of Mexico City, and demonstrations, including one attended by more than 2 million people. On August 14, riot police attacked protesters with clubs and tear gas outside the Congress building, injuring numerous people including 15 deputies from Lopez Obrador's Party of the Democratic Revolution.

From GLW issue 680