Mexican Electoral Judges Face Hard Test

by Julie Watson
MEXICO CITY
The future of Mexico's young democracy lies in the hands of seven judges who have the final word on a disputed presidential election that has strained class divisions and threatened the nation's stability, with one candidate calling for millions to protest.

The magistrates - including Mexico's first female district judge and a respected author on ethics and democracy - have shown toughness and independence in thousands of electoral disputes, ruling against all three major parties.

But they have never faced a challenge like this. Mexicans are counting on them to find a peaceful solution to a battle between Felipe Calderon, the ruling party candidate backed by the business community, and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a fiery populist.

An official count gave Calderon a lead of less than 0.6 percent. Despite the uncertainty, he said Friday he was setting up a committee to lay the groundwork for his administration.

In the next month, the Federal Electoral Tribunal will comb through mountains of paperwork documenting 364 complaints by the parties. It must issue a ruling by Sept. 6.

The judges face three choices: declaring a winner, ordering a recount, or annulling the vote. Each could have grave consequences.
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