Mexican Politics

Last night’s keynote speaker for the Southeastern Council of Latin American Studies conference was Roderic Camp, a prominent political scientist who has written massively on Mexican politics. Very interesting talk, though there was some sobering food for thought. In Mexico there is general apathy, low adherence to political parties, distrust of politicians, and a general sense that democracy doesn’t work. So far, then, this election is not exciting the Mexican electorate.

Camp argued that like in 2000, independents will play a key role, and how they will shake out is not predictable. As of now, Lopez Obrador still has a lead. La profesora links to a new poll showing Lopez Obrador slipping, and Boz shows some other polling data, arguing that attempts to link Lopez Obrador to Hugo Chavez may account for the slip in the polls. Meanwhile, the NYT discusses how President Fox has been active in attacking Lopez Obrador, presumably as a way to scare middle and upper class voters.