Mexico’s ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), has been dominating the country's politics for almost a century.
But the upcoming presidential elections is likely to be an uphill battle for the party as defeat seems to be looming large.
What is the political context in Mexico?
Political Reality - In recent years, Mexico has seen brisk economic growth, low inflation and a sharp fall in unemployment.
But despite these positive metrics, there has been a steady slide in the popularity of the corruption tainted government of President "Enrique Peña Nieto".
Opinion polls indicate massive support for radical left-wing opposition "National Regeneration Movement" led by "Andrés Manuel López Obrador".
International Reasons - The performance of Mexican Currency "Peso" (which has depreciated rapidly) is suspected to have aided the anti-incumbency wave.
Notably, President Nieto's rule saw heightened treats of U.S. quitting the North American Free Trade Agreement due to President Trump's theatrics. \
Domestic Reasons - The fallout from the political mishandling of the mysterious disappearance of scores of children in 2014 has been severe.
Mr. Nieto’s government has also been at the centre of a political storm beginning with accusations that surfaced last year of illegal funding of his 2012 election.
The subsequent sacking of chief prosecutor involved in the investigations and denial of various alleged scams eroded the government's credibility.
How is the current electoral battle proceeding?
Defender - Presidents are allowed just one term in Mexico.
Hence, the ruling PRI has designated José Antonio Meade (a minister in previous PRI governments) as its presidential candidate.
Notably, Mr. Meade is a technocrat who is independent of any party affiliations, a factor that could've propelled him into the race to circumvent anti-incumbency.
Challenger - The opposition presidential candidate "López Obrador" is a three-time contender for the presidency and former Mayor of Mexico City.
His rhetoric is low on substance, but it seems to be appealing to the masses, which at present seems largely disenchanted with the government.
In this context, the rising popularity of leftist forces has already started giving jitters to big corporate companies in the energy sector.
Irrespective of the outcome, if Mexico succeeds to make a political transition peacefully through the ballot, it will count as a big national achievement.
