Call for recount

MEXICO’S leftist party demanded yesterday that electoral officials recount every vote cast in the country’s closest presidential race ever, claiming the balloting was manipulated and renewing fears that its fiery candidate, Mr Lopez Obrador, could launch massive street protests.

His supporters claim the preliminary vote count showing business-friendly rival Felipe Calderon with an advantage of about 400,000 votes was manipulated.

Mr Lopez Obrador’s party had initially requested a manual count only in certain instances, but was now demanding a full review.

Allegations of irregularities threaten to drag out the process for weeks, if not months, putting Mexico’s young democracy to the test.