It Couldn’t Happen Here

Friday, July 7th, 2006 by RLR

From The Washington Post
By E.J. Dionne Jr.

PH2005032604398 04Mexico is in a mess because voters in its presidential election were so closely divided between Andro’s Manuel Lopez Obrador, the candidate of the center-left, and Felipe Calderon, the center-right candidate who was declared the narrow winner yesterday.

As a result, there are charges of theft and miscounts, of “grave inconsistencies.” Lopez Obrador has insisted that the authorities “help clear up any doubts” and “not allow the will of the citizens to be violated.”

Let’s be clear: There’s nothing wrong with Mexico’s voters. Close elections happen. The test of a democracy is how a bitter dispute of this sort is resolved. Can it be settled in a way that enhances confidence in the electoral process and the legitimacy of the ultimate winner?

Mexicans have one thing going for them: There is no question under Mexican law that the winner of the popular vote will be the winner of the election.

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