Analysis prepared by COHA Research Associate Magali Devic
8-18-06, 11:00 pm
Disgruntled PRD presidential candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador continues to pursue his campaign against the TEPJF’s refusal to order a full recount of the July 2 election, most recently calling for a large scale protest to be staged at the same time as President Vicente Foxís September 1 State of the Nation address. He also plans to hold a “National Democratic Convention” on September 16, Mexico’s Independence Day.
In downtown Mexico City, López Obrador’s supporters have pitched a 12-mile encampment and are holding mass marches that obstruct various federal offices throughout the city. The federal government has taken measures to reinforce security around strategic buildings. AMLO has shown particular reluctance to give up his daily ardent speeches encouraging the masses to stay firm in their opposition to Felipe Calderón’s presidential “victory.” He has made clear his intention to step up his movement from “peaceful civil resistance” to a “campaign of civil disobedience” implying, for example, he would support the citizenry’s refusal to pay taxes.
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