U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce was the Only business organization invited to observe Mexico's 2006 Presidential Elections.

For Immediate Release
U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
July 6, 2006
Contact Name: Gerardo Funes
Phone Number: 202-312-1525

WASHINGTON, D.C. On Sunday, July 2nd 2006, Mexican citizens turned out in mass to vote for their new President for a six year term lasting from 2006-2012. In addition to the Presidential Election, Mexican citizens also voted for federal members of Congress and Senate. Four States: Jalisco, Guanajuato, Morelos and the Federal District (Mexico City) also held local elections for various elected positions including Governor.

Mexico's Federal Election Institute (IFE) certified the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) as an International Observer Organization. Our group was composed by 12 U.S. Binational Board Members and 5 Japanese representatives from the Pacific Business & Industry Council, a tri-national program of the USMCOC, promoting business and trade between the U.S., Mexico and Japan.

USMCOC was also the only international business organization invited to attend a meeting with Mexico's three major political parties the day prior to the Presidential election. On Saturday, July 1, 2006, our delegation was welcomed by representatives from the PAN, PRD and PRI at their respective headquarters. Officials from each party provided the group with a detailed explanation of their candidate's vision for Mexico, their agenda for the nation's future, as well as an explanation as to why their candidate will win the election.

On Sunday July 2nd, USMCOC's observers were able to witness history-in-the-making as more than 60 percent of the registered voters came out to cast their ballots in what appears to be an extraordinary civic response. USMCOC's observers visited 20 polling stations in four Mexican States: Puebla, Morelos, State of Mexico and Mexico City. "This has been a continuation of a democratic process that has been transparent and fair." said Al Zapanta, President and CEO, U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

We would like to congratulate Mexico's IFE for their outstanding administration and coordination efforts at the polls and for their professionalism displayed throughout the electoral process. The USMCOC looks forward to be the link of communicating the results of this election to the U.S. business community and stands ready to provide further information and interviews.

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