Wednesday, April 26, 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 9
World
Mexico's race heats up
Candidate looking to upset long-term presiding party
The Associated Press
MEXICO CITY — Just when Mexico's presidential election turned into a real race, a charismatic opposition leader counted on a televised debate to help him bring down the party that has ruled Mexico for 71 years.
The debate last night came at a crucial time: A newly released poll showed Vicente Fox of the opposition National Action Party in a virtual tie with Francisco Labastida of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI.
The July 2 elections could be Mexico's cleanest ever and may represent the best chance for the opposition to defeat the PRI. Fox, 57, a former Coca-Cola executive whose cowboy boots and blunt talk make him the most flamboyant of the presidential field, has been campaigning against Labastida on a platform of change — his campaign slogan is "enough already!"
Labastida, also 57, has been running a largely traditional populist campaign, promising more money for farmers.
schools, construction and running water.
For more than seven decades, the PRI's political machine has held onto the presidency by means fair and foul, but the party has been forced by both domestic and international pressure to make itself, and Mexico's electoral system, more democratic.
The changes have allowed the opposition to take state and local governments, and opened up the possibility — unthinkable a generation ago — that the PRI could even lose the presidency.
The PRI touted last night's debate — only the second presidential debate ever — as a triumph of that democracy, even though the somewhat stilted format prevented any direct exchanges between candidates or any questions from anyone at all.
Each candidate was allotted a total of 14 minutes: three minutes for introductory statements, followed by three rounds of three minutes each for additional comment and two minutes for conclusions. No questions were to be asked of the candidates, and no particular themes were chosen for them to address. The candidates were to appear one at a time, and no direct rebuttals were allowed.
Despite the controlled format,
the growing hostility between Fox and Labastida promised at least some fireworks. Labastida has been accusing Fox of speaking from both sides of his mouth, while Fox — at 6-fee-3-inches — calls the 5-foot-9-inch Labastida "shorty" and "more of the same."
The PRI's president, Dulce Maria Sauri, said Monday that Labastida would stick to his platform, but she wouldn't rule out some attacks.
However, Marta Sahagun, Fox spokeswoman, was less cautious: "Fox is a frank, honest and open man," she said. "He knows how to call things by their name."
All six presidential candidates participated in the debate. Fox has proposed more debates later in the campaign.
A poll published Monday in the newspaper *Reforma*, gave Labastida a 45 percent to 42 percent edge. Given the margin of error of 2.5 percentage points, which amounted to a virtual tie. *Reforma's* last poll, published March 27, gave Labastida a 7 percent lead against Fox.
The poll published Monday showed Cuahtemoc Cardenas of the center-left Democratic Revolution Party a distant third with 12 percent, while the other three candidates split the remaining 1 percent of support.
Domestic & Foreign Complete Car Care
"We Stand Behind Our Work, and WE CARE!"
842-8665
2858 Four Wheel Dr.
--on all Nokia Phones.
Better Late Than Jobless Workshop
Wed. April 26 at 4:00 p.m.
Room 149 Burge Union
University Career & Employment Services, 110 Burge, 864-3624 www.ukan.edu/~uces
NEW EXTENDED HOURS!
www.simply-pcs.com
Great for Graduates
Instant Rebate
Your Home Town Dealer SINCE 1997 We offer genuine Nokia Accessories ar fair prices. Full Line of Decorator Face Plates.
- Free Voice Mail, Numeric Paging & Caller ID
19TH & MASS.
LAWRENCE
(785) 842-5200
877-842-5200
HOURS: 9-6 M-F,
10-5 SAT
- Largest local Digital coverage in Missouri & Kansas!
1525 S. MAIN
OTTAWA
(785) 242-5400
800-977-4659
HOURS: 9-6 M-F, 10-5
SAT, 12-4 SUN
- Free long distance to anywhere in area codes (785),(913),(816),and(660).
- Free First incoming minute.
*While supplies last
We will meet or beat any authorized Aerial Dealer's phone prices.
- No activation fee.
- You Called
We answered™
4651 W. 6TH ST.
LAWRENCE
(785) 749-1850
877-691-9972
HOURS: 9-6 M-F,
10-5 SAT, 12-4 SUN
- Coverage coast to coast.
Some Restrictions Apply.
Simply Wireless
districtions apply. New activation only. Credit history checked. Limited time only. One year service agreement required (S150 early termination fee). Free or discounted phones not available to Aerial advantage customers. Aerial current terms and conditions applies. ©2020 Aerial Communications, Inc. Aerial and You called. We answered. Are service marks of Aerial communications Inc. Nokia is regulated by OY Nokia, Nokia Finland, GSM M & S Global Network are service marks of North American GSM Alliance LLC.
FIRST CLASS
Give your stamp of approval to a quality college education.
It you're heading home to Johnson County this summer consider picking up some classes at JCCC. Most JCCC credits easily transfer to four-year schools.
JCCC delivers innovative teaching methods top-notch faculty and a wide range of courses in a special package for each student.
Summer classes begin June 5.
Call 913-469-3803 to learn more or visit our Web site at www.jccc.net
Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd. Overland Park,KS66210
Learning comes first at JCCC
P