Mexico Leftist to Create Parallel Gov't

[katinmn]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/08/29/international/i141204D66.DTL

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, convinced he won't be awarded the presidency, has vowed to create a parallel leftist government and is urging Mexicans not to recognize the apparent victory of the ruling party's Felipe Calderon.

While his party lacks the seats in Congress to block legislation, Lopez Obrador can mobilize millions to pressure his conservative rival to adopt the left's agenda — or to clamp down and risk a backlash.

Both scenarios are possibilities as the former Mexico City mayor lays out plans to create his own government to rule from the streets, with the support of thousands who are already occupying protest camps throughout downtown Mexico City.

Some predict his parallel initiative — which Lopez Obrador's supporters call the "legitimate government" — could turn those protest camps into the core of a violent revolt, especially if the government tries to shut it down.

[whistle]

1. This is what John Kerry should have done in 2004

[ShockediSay]

2. Respectable democracies have had 'shadow governments'

with good effect

Let's hope this stays more respectably effective than violent

[RufusEarl]

3. The plot thickens in Mexico !

[katinmn]

4. Yessir! And they are dead serious.

Asked whether Lopez Obrador would wear some version of the presidential sash during his swearing-in ceremony, PRD spokesman Gerardo Fernandez accused reporters of poking fun at the candidate. He also upbraided those who spoke of plans for an "alternative government."

"What Andres Manuel has suggested is not an alternative president," Fernandez said. "It will be a legitimate government with a legitimate president."


:)

[RufusEarl]

5. I suppose the political turning point,

will be who the military follows. This could get interesting in the coming weeks and months, i only hope it doesn't turn violent.

[unschooler]

6. The right will not give up a thing without a fight.

The potential for violence is very real.

[David__77]

7. The left-run provinces should prepare to recognize an AMLO gov't.

Farmers and city dwellers should be trained to defend it and oppose the inevitable army crackdown. Mexico is not a democracy.