Mexican President Rivals Both Claim Win in Tight Vote

Mexican presidential candidates Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Felipe Calderón both claim to have won the election, but exit polls show the race too close to call. López Obrador, former mayor of Mexico City, whose progressive government policies are popular with Mexico’s working-class population, argues that domestic initiatives like improving public transportation and social services will provide jobs and nurture a middle class, helping breach the chasm between the wealthy elite and the poor. He has also proposed renegotiating parts of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Calderón staunchly favors free trade with the US, and hopes to foster Mexico’s global clout by creating jobs by inviting foreign corporate investment. The rivals both agree that reaching an immigration agreement with the US is a priority, but neither has offered detailed proposals. Though the 20.6 million Mexicans living in the US were eligible to vote, only 28,355 actually submitted ballots, the low number attributed to poor organization and a required registration fee. The outcome of the close, emotional election will remain uncertain for a few more days and determine the future of Mexico’s global role. – YaleGlobal