1.2 million gather to demand recount

MEXICO CITY
A record 1.2 million people poured into Mexico City's central square Sunday in another show of force by backers of leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his demand for a recount in the July 2 election, which conservative Felipe Calderon narrowly won.

The turnout was less than the 2 million that Lopez Obrador had promised two weeks ago, when he brought 1.1 million followers to the Zocalo, the city's historic central square.

But police said it was the largest demonstration in Mexico's history, and analysts said it was enough to lend momentum to Lopez Obrador's case, which Mexico's federal election tribunal is considering. It must declare a winner by Sept. 6.

"The electoral tribunal has to rule independently, but they have to be aware of public opinion," said John Ackerman, a law professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Lopez Obrador said he will not arrange another mass march but instead will organize 47 "permanent assemblies" of supporters to hold around-the-clock vigils throughout the city until the tribunal rules.

"We will be here until we have a recount of the votes that gives us a legitimate president," Lopez Obrador told the cheering crowd.

Lopez Obrador is seeking a vote-by-vote recount of the 41 million ballots cast. Calderon won by less than 1 percent.

The crowd estimates were made by the city's public safety department, which reported no incidents of violence.