Mexico elections: Centre-left set to return to power

Presidential and legislative elections are underway in Mexico with predictions of a major come-back for the centre-left party which ruled the country for much of the last century.

Mexico’s brutal drugs war, which has seen the deaths of more than 55,000 people, is as high on the list of voter concerns as the struggling economy.

Enrique Pena Nieto from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) has a double-digit lead over his opponents, according to the latest opinion polls. The PRI was ousted a decade ago after spending 71 years in power, often winning more than 70 percent voter support.

The ruling National Action Party (PAN) is widely seen as having failed at turning around the country’s economic fortunes and in a war against deadly drug cartels. Despite plans to be the first woman president, PAN candidate Josefina Vazquez Mota lies third.

Nieto’s other opponent is left-wing politician Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Incumbent Felipe Calderon is unable to seek re-election under Mexico’s constitution.

Copyright © 2013 euronews