The Financial Times calls for a recount in Mexico
The Financial Times, mouthpiece of the British bourgeois, is so worried that a social explosion could take place in Mexico that it is advising a recount.
In an editorial article on Monday entitled Mexican stand off the mouthpiece of the British ruling class the Financial Times appealed for a recount in the Mexican elections. Commenting on the controversy over the election results, the FT says: "Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the leading leftwing challenger, is alleging foul play and demanding a full recount of the votes. That is exactly what Mexico's electoral authorities should do." This is not a sign that the FT has converted to democracy and transparent elections; the ruling class uses whatever methods serve their interests without the slightest regard for democratic niceties.
The real reason for the position taken in its editorial is explained further on when they say that "if it confirms his triumph a recount would help Mr Calderón govern more effectively". What they are afraid of is that a Calderón government coming in after widespread suspicion of fraud would not be able to carry out the policies that the ruling class in Mexico needs. The Fox government was already a weak government which was stopped by the mass movement of workers and peasants every time it attempted to carry out major counter-reforms. They are arguing for a recount in order to have a stronger right-wing government of Calderon.
But there also is another reason. The FT fears a massive social explosion if the Mexican ruling class is seen as having stolen the election from the PRD. "While Mr Calderón cleaned up in the north, Mr López Obrador won overwhelmingly in the less well-off southern half of the country. It would be foolhardy for Mexico's elites to underestimate the dangers that this situation represents, especially bearing in mind the country's history."
These are the calculations of an intelligent section of the capitalist class internationally, which are afraid of the movement of the workers and peasants in Mexico and think that by making some concessions this can be prevented. However, a recount achieved as a result of mass mobilisation in the streets would be as bad from the point of view of the Mexican ruling class, since it would encourage the struggle of the workers and make them aware of their own strength.
What will happen in the next few days and weeks remains to be seen. All the reports we are receiving from Mexico indicate that the mood of the masses is turning more and more radical, and they are getting organised. One thing is clear: the stage is set in Mexico for a major confrontation between the classes, no matter what manoeuvres the ruling class may attempt to carry out.
USA: Emergency picket against electoral fraud in Mexico (July 12, 2006)
Mexico: Lopez Obrador challenges election results by Rob Lyon (July 11, 2006)
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Mexico: Mobilise the masses and call a general strike to stop the electoral fraud (July 5, 2006)
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