July 2nd is the day that Mexico holds its presidential election

NewsMax--



Under the Mexican constitution, the presidential term of the president of Mexico is six years.

"To be eligible for the presidency, a candidate must reside legally in Mexico during the year preceding the election. The candidate cannot have held a cabinet post or a governorship, nor have been on active military duty during the six months prior to the election. Priests and ministers of religious denominations are barred from holding public office. "

Unlike the US, a president can NEVER be reelected!
Before you get too excited…

" One of the unique features of the Mexican presidency has been the highly secretive and mysterious process of presidential succession. Since the 1930s, Mexico's PRI presidents have enjoyed the right to personally name their successor, a privilege known as the dedazo (tap). The prerogative of choosing one's successor has allowed outgoing presidents to select individuals who embody either change or continuity with past policies, as demanded by circumstances and public opinion. "information courtesy of Country Studies

" This year there are three major candidates, Roberto Madrazo of the PRI (the former ruling party), Felipe Calderon of the right-wing PAN, and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (known by his initials AMLO) of the leftist PRD (the Democratic Revolution Party). "

I find it an interesting comparison that "Foreigners are strictly forbidden from involvement in Mexican politics, and can be deported for doing so."

Of course it is easy for others to tell someone what to do. The candidates respond to the illegal immigration problem,

"Mexico should have veto power over how the United States handles immigration. Imigration is a convenient safety valve that enables them to put off making tough decisions for the Mexican economy.
As a result, Mexican candidates are united in their support for amnesty for Mexican illegal aliens in the United States, and they oppose building walls on the border. "

What about the Minutemen?

" AMLO's PRD party platform calls for "…the termination of all threats, arrests, apprehensions, raids and other abuses of the American immigration authorities against the undocumented workers" on U.S. soil, and for the suppression of American groups such as the Minutemen. "

Will the new president carry on President Fox's vision?

"that some day the border will no longer be a barrier fortified by armed guards, but a mere line on a map dividing two partners in a common market, with much more in common than what today divides the United States and Mexico. "
San Fransisco Chronicle December 14, 2000

Next they will be complaining that we keep our front door locked as well.