Only on ABC-7: NMSU professor weighs in on “historic” Mexican election
In the midst of Mexico’s historic presidential election, a New Mexico State professor worked with a team that observed improper electoral practices.
“It was a very exciting day,” said Dr. Neil Harvey, head of NMSU’s government department. “It was a lot of celebration.”
The International Network of Scholars and Citizens for Democracy invited Dr. Harvey to be an electoral observer near Mexico City. His team saw at least one voting location that did not open on time. He also observed a group that was threatened not to campaign for a certain candidate.
Andres Manuel López Obrador of the Marina party won the election, marking the first time in decades that a member of the PRI or PAN party will not lead the country.
“I think a lot of people were hopeful that this means things will improve in Mexico in many fronts,” Harvey said.
López Obrador ran on a campaign that promised to fight the corruption throughout Mexican government. Harvey is optimistic about Mexico’s future, but acknowledges the challenges the new president will face.
“López Obrador is inheriting a very difficult situation, both in terms of the corruption, which has reached many levels of government, but also because of the ongoing insecurity and the violence,” Harvey said. “That can’t be changed overnight.”
