(03/21/10) -

Mexicans Support Run-offs in Presidential Elections

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most people in Mexico would like presidential elections to be subject to a second round if no candidate garners more than 50 per cent of the vote, according to a poll by GEA-ISA. 54 per cent of respondents agree with instating run-offs in presidential elections, while 33 per cent disagree.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most people in Mexico would like presidential elections to be subject to a second round if no candidate garners more than 50 per cent of the vote, according to a poll by GEA-ISA. 54 per cent of respondents agree with instating run-offs in presidential elections, while 33 per cent disagree.

Additionally, 70 per cent of respondents agree with reducing the number of lawmakers in both houses of Congress, 54 per cent would support having senators ratifying appointed cabinet secretaries, and 49 per cent would be ok with allowing independent candidates in elections. Conversely, 63 per cent of respondents disagree with allowing consecutive re-election for deputies and senators.

Mexican voters chose their new president in July 2006. Official results placed Felipe Calderón of the National Action Party (PAN) as the winner with 36.68 per cent of all cast ballots. Calderón—a former energy secretary—took over as Mexico’s head of state in December.

Congress is currently studying a government-backed electoral reform bill that would allow members of the Chamber of Deputies—the lower house of Congress—to seek up to four consecutive, three-year terms in office. The bill would also introduce a second round for presidential elections.

On Feb. 26, Mexican interior secretary Fernando Gómez Mont said that, financially speaking, introducing a second round in presidential elections will not cost more, adding, "That is clear to me. It could cost less."

Polling Data

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