Mexican leftist presidential candidate, front runner, kicks off campaign in Juarez

Leftist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador kicked off his campaign Sunday morning in Juarez. The anti-establishment candidate and current front runner spoke strongly against NAFTA and free trade at his rally, comparing his supporters to the Mexican Revolution that overthrew a dictator 100 years ago.

Lopez Obrador spoke spoke against NAFTA in front of thousands, saying free trade had cost Mexico too much and proposing a return to economic isolationism.

With NAFTA still being negotiated it’s a possible a deal may not be signed before the elections, something borderland business leaders worry will lead to uncertainty.

“If we don’t reach a quick outcome on the renegotiation of NAFTA it will spill out not only to the Mexican presidential election, but also to our own Congressional midterms,” Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, told ABC-7 earlier in the week.

Minutes after bashing international trade, Lopez Obrador said he would create a free trade zone along the border with lower taxes, saying he would push for concessions on NAFTA and would not allow foreign countries to treat Mexico like a piñata. His supporters told ABC-7 they stand strongly behind his words and promised to vote in July.

All four candidates in Mexico have begun their campaigns since Friday.

According to an Ipsos poll published by Reuters on March 7, Lopez Obrador holds the lead with 36.3 percent, followed by the center right candidate Ricardo Anaya at 22.7 percent, the ruling party candidate Jose Antonio Meade follows with 15.1 percent and and independent Margarita Zavala holds the final 2.8 percent of voter preference.

Lopez Obrador has held strong leads in past elections and lost them after debates and fierce campaigns.

Election day is July 1st.