Disputed gubernatorial election sets tone for Mexico’s presidential vote

World Today

In Mexico, voters elected new governors in three states on Sunday.

Most observers are paying close attention to the outcome of the gubernatorial election in the state of Mexico.

It’s home to 11 million voters, and considered a bellwether for the country’s 2018 presidential election.

As CGTN’s Franc Contreras reports, two candidates are claiming victory.

Preliminary vote tallies give a slight lead to the candidate of the governing Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI. Alfredo del Mazo, who’s own father and grandfather were both state governors.

In a close second place and also claiming victory was Delfina Gomez, of the left-leaning Morena Party. She’s a former school teacher, who before this election was virtually unknown.

Sunday’s vote here was marred by accusations that the two leading parties committed fraud. A final ballot count is expected on Wednesday.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, president of the Morena Party, is calling for a recount of the ballots. He’s set to become Morena’s presidential candidate in 2018.

On Sunday, a sense of calm mixed with underlying tensions prevailed the town of Altalcomulco home to a long-standing PRI political dynasty.

Six states governors, all members of the PRI, hail from here.

It’s the birthplace Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, another member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party.

Outside a voting station, this woman alleges that PRI operatives are attempting to pressuring voters.

Crime and the weak economy are top issues in this election.

Many observers say the narrow margin in the State of Mexico spells tough times ahead for the Institutional Revolutionary Party, heading into Mexico’s 2018 presidential elections.