MEDIA REACTION - MEXICO, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTERMATH

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001462 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO CI VE MX SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - MEXICO, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTERMATH ¶1. On July 7, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000) carried a column by Alvaro Vargas Llosa entitled, "Calderon's Difficult Challenges." Quote: "Calderon's victory is a counterweight against populism. We must not forget that Calderon's campaign frontally opposed populism, not just with respect to Lopez Obrador, but also (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez.... For an important part of Mexico's left, Lopez Obrador was a way to weaken ties with the U.S. and strengthen them with a South America where the left has made significant progress. Calderon has praised Chile and has spoken about strengthening ties with Brazil and Central America, where the moderate left and the center-right prevail. But Latin America's left will fall on Calderon sooner or later as it did on Fox. What remains to be seen is if Calderon will form a tacit alliance with other countries or will choose to endure the attack alone, as did Fox to some degree." ¶2. On July 7, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000) ran an editorial entitled "Mexican Election, A Test for Its Institutions." Quote: "Taking into account Mexico's size, its population, and the number of voters--over 41 million--Congress' fragmentation, and a six-year presidential term, it is not hard to conclude that Mexico does not have the best scenario for political stability and government efficiency. Mexico is an important actor in Latin America, which is why it must have the mechanisms and institutions to promote good government.... From the regional viewpoint, Mexico should have leaders that favor moderation. Given Latin America's current configuration, moderation is a condition of special interest to Chile, which has many elements to cultivate with Mexico, in addition to a political strategic alliance." ¶3. On July 7, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El Mercurio" (circ. 116,807) ran an editorial entitled, "The Disputed Mexican Election." Quote: "The international community has closely followed Mexico's election and is watching with special concern Lopez Obrador's reaction, which could create instability and damage Mexico's reputation and influence. We must note that the shadow of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez--with whom the leftist Mexican candidate sought ties during the campaign--lingers over this election and over Latin America in a sort of regional 'Cold War.'" KELLY