A history of violence
There have been all kinds of discussions of the possible dangers of a close loss by AMLO in the July First presidential elections. But what if the by-a-whisker loser is Enrique Peña Nieto?
There have been all kinds of dire predictions that an AMLO loss would mean a repeat of what followed his (presumed— or at least official) loss in the 2006 election… which as I recall was noisy, interrupted traffic, annoyed a lot of Mexico City suburban commuters… but as far as I recall didn’t get anybody killed.
As it is, I don’t think you’ll find much of a record of forced disappearances, suspicious one-car accidents, murders or politically motivated police raids connected to his various parties. If anything, it’s been PRD and the leftist party activists who’ve been most likely to come to a violent end, or get tossed in the slammer.
The PRI has, through its long history, not hesitated to turn to violence for political ends, and I think it’s a fair question.
The Mex Files 
Several groups have an intense interest in this election, the middle class business owners, and professionals have a vested interest in a peaceful outcome, as do the resident aliens.
University students are making a strong case, but will it lead to a positive outcome ?
At this moment Al-Jazeera has presented a very good look and strong points of view on the outcome.
Here:http://tiny.cc/qm0cgw
It is 25 minutes long, and makes sense to watch it all.
Lately it seems that Al-Jazeera has the best coverage on Mexico, warts and all.
I just watched the video, and I have to say that last guy commentating (I think his name was Francisco) says that he “likes the left’s message, but he doesn’t like the person”. He bases this on the fact that AMLO was an “old style PRI’ista” and because of his “outbursts”. I have to disagree with him on that , because if AMLO kept his old PRI’ista ways, he would have at the very least instigated violence on the streets. The fact of the matter is that he led peaceful protests in the capital,despite of what telerisa was reporting. And also he was a PRI’ista ,yes, but most people who were invoved in politics back in the 60’s and 70’s and 80’s were PRI’istas. the PRD was only founded back in 88′ which is when AMLO joined the left.
Thank god for Youtube and and other media sites that actually show that the left has a larger than reported following. Although this is’nt statistical proof, it still supports that AMLO really has a strong following amongst young Mexican voters. I also think that those poll statistical numbers are botched. I dont see nearly as many videos from EPN supporters on youtube. and If you read the comments on EPN’s videos, you will find many AMLO supporters commenting on EPN.
From all the reporting I’ve seen, the university student movement in this election has been peaceful and humorous. But they are sometimes countered by ‘forces of the dinosaurs’ who are violent.
I don’t know what justifies the comment “but will it have a positive outcome,” which I read as “will they be peaceful.” Maybe that’s not how it was intended.
On the other hand, as Richard has pointed out, there is one group which has a long history of violence and repression.
“AMLO was a PRI-ista?” And who wasn’t who was involved in politics until lately? Anyone of any age at all was a PRI-ista. EPN, at least, had the option of other parties and chose PRI.