Thousands of people rushed to stores Tuesday to redeem pre-paid gift cards they said were given to them previously by the party that won Mexico’s presidency, inflaming accusations that the weekend election was marred by widespread vote-buying.
At least a few cardholders were angry, complaining that they didn’t get as much as promised or that their cards weren’t working. Neighbors at one store in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Mexico City said the unusually large crowds prevented them from doing their daily shopping.
Under Mexican election law, giving voters gifts is not a crime unless the gift is conditioned on a certain vote or meant to influence a vote. However, the cost of such gifts must be reported, and cannot exceed campaign spending limits.
…
Allegations of vote-buying were not limited to Mexico City, with complaints cropping up in several battleground states. PAN accused Pena Nieto’s campaign of acquiring about 9,500 prepaid gift cards worth nearly $5.2 million (71 million pesos) to give away for votes.
If all/most of the votes bought involved telling people they would get $37.50 and they got $7.50, I would bet that a whole bunch of people will support a recount.
____________
Update: From Yetlaneci Alcaraz of Proceso, the German press is making mincemeat of the new government. I haven’t checked this directly. From what I can make of Die Zeit’s reporting, it doesn’t sound sarcastic.
Mercury Rising 鳯女 