Crs Report for Congress: Mexico's 2012 Elections

Given the close and complex relationship that the United States has with neighboring Mexico, the results of the July 1, 2012 Mexican presidential and legislative elections are of interest to U.S. policy makers. As Mexico does not allow consecutive reelection for any office, the results of these elections could lead to significant changes in the country's political landscape and the Mexican government's approach to aspects of its relations with the United States. The top issues being debated in the Mexican presidential campaign-security, economic policy, and energy sector reform-are of crucial importance to Mexico's future and are of keen interest to Congress. The policies adopted by the next Mexican President will likely have implications for U.S.- Mexican security cooperation, prospects for deeper North American economic integration, and U.S. energy security. The legislative elections are equally crucial, as they will likely determine how easily the next Mexican administration will be able to advance its agenda through congress. Most analysts are predicting that the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) will retake the presidency after 12 years of rule by the conservative National Action Party (PAN). The PRI could also capture a majority in the Chamber of Deputies, a feat not accomplished by a single party since 1994. Observers maintain that Mexico's security challenges and continuing poverty have left Mexicans disappointed with the PAN and nostalgic for the order and stability they remember under the PRI, despite the party's past reputation for corruption and undemocratic practices. Moreover, while U.S.-Mexican security cooperation has intensified and U.S.-Mexican economic integration has deepened under the current PAN administration of Felipe Calderon, the fruits of bilateral efforts have not always been apparent to average Mexican voters.