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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | September 2005 
Calderón Wins First Round of PAN Primaries
 AP/El Universal
| | Former Energy Secretary Felipe Calderón received 46 percent of the votes Sunday. |
Former Energy Secretary Felipe Calderón was the winner Sunday in a primary vote that saw three former secretaries in President Vicente Fox's Cabinet vying to become the ruling National Action Party's presidential candidate in 2006 elections.
With virtually all ballots counted, Calderón received 46 percent of the votes, party officials reported.
Former Interior Minister Santiago Creel had 35 percent of votes counted, and former Environment Secretary Alberto Cárdenas received about 19 percent.
Creel had led preference among party members for months. But Calderón gained ground in public opinion polls after a strong performance in televised debates last week.
"We are on the way up and it looks like (Creel) is on the way down," said Calderón after the votes were tabulated Sunday.
The voting kicked off the primary season among the nation's three major political parties, which must register their candidates by January.
Members of the National Action Party (PAN) across 10 states took part in Sunday's vote. The second round of PAN voting is Oct. 2, and the third is Oct. 23.
PAN officials admitted that turnout was low Sunday, with only 28 percent of the eligible voters taking part in the primary. |
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