Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Mexicans Brand PRD Actions as Counterproductive

November 23, 2006

Credit:UNESCO

Abstract: - Many adults in Mexico believe an opposition party would be wrong to impede the inauguration of the country's president-elect, according to a poll by Reforma. 72 per cent of respondents believe the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) would be weakened if it attempts to block the ceremony.

- Many adults in Mexico believe an opposition party would be wrong to impede the inauguration of the country's president-elect, according to a poll by Reforma. 72 per cent of respondents believe the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) would be weakened if it attempts to block the ceremony.

Mexican voters chose their new president on Jul. 2. Official results placed Felipe Calderón of the National Action Party (PAN) as the winner with 36.68 per cent of all cast ballots, followed by Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) with 36.11 per cent.

López Obrador filed an unsuccessful legal challenge to the election result, alleging widespread fraud. European Union (EU) election monitors did not report any irregularities in the vote count. The PRD candidate publicly refers to himself as "Mexico's legitimate president."

Earlier this month, a protective barrier was erected around Mexico City's San Lázaro Legislative Palace—the venue where the presidential inauguration ceremony usually takes place—and more than 2,000 officers are currently guarding the building.

Calderón will take office from fellow PAN member Vicente Fox on Dec. 1. On Nov. 21, Fox dismissed being concerned about possible problems, declaring, "Calderón has said it and now Fox is saying it, we will abide by the law and the constitution. This is the way a transfer of power takes place in our country, following the law, and that is how it will be."

Polling Data

It has been said that the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) will attempt to impede Felipe Calderón's inauguration on Dec. 1. Do you think this will strengthen the PRD or weaken the PRD in the eyes of the population?

Weaken

72%

Strengthen

16%

Not sure

12%

Source: Reforma
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 850 Mexican adults, conducted on Nov. 18, 2006. Margin of error is 3.4 per cent.