Conclusion

“Anyone who tells you who will win the 2006 presidential elections is either crazy or a liar,” insists political savant Jorge Mendoza of the TV Azteca Group.

We do know that Fox has forfeited a golden opportunity to invigorate Mexico’s institutions. At the same time, his behavior has enhanced cynicism toward politicians and their organizations. The Marlboro Man’s bumbling has damaged the PAN, whose candidate will face an uphill battle to retain Los Pinos for their party. While an intrepid organizer, Madrazo must forge party unity if the PRI is to recapture the presidency. For his part, the populist López Obrador awaits with single-minded determination the chance to offer himself as the savior of half of Mexico’s 103 million people who live in abject poverty.