The PAN had one unexpected win: for governor in the northern state of Sonora, a PRI stronghold. It was probably helped by public anger toward state officials over a June 5 fire at a day-care center that killed 48 children in Hermosillo, the capital.
Overall, results appeared to reflect public disenchantment with the country's political direction. More than half of the 78 million registered voters stayed home. One in 20 ballots were deemed invalid, a sign that a protest campaign had succeeded in persuading many unhappy voters to deface their ballots. In Mexico City, the rate of null votes was more than one in 10.
Many Mexicans say they want better jobs and solutions to the burgeoning crime rate, poor schools and outdated hospitals.
"They have given the PAN nine years to do it and they don't think the PAN has done it," said George W. Grayson, a Mexico scholar at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., who was in Mexico City for the voting.
The PRI also appeared to profit from bitter feuding within the main leftist party, the Democratic Revolution Party, or PRD.
The PRD, which finished closely behind Calderon three years ago, managed a meager 12% this time.
It remains to be seen what the PRI does with its newfound clout.
"What the PRI was asking for was, 'Give us a shot.' That's not a mandate," said Daniel Lund, a pollster and political analyst based in Mexico City.
Mexico's leaders face daunting problems, including declining oil production, persistent crime and a recession that has hammered tax receipts and is expected to shrink the economy by more than 5% this year.
Commentators said the rival parties will have to cooperate to get laws passed.
--
ken.ellingwood@latimes.com
