Mexican Protests Block Tv Studios Amidst Election Scandal

[News_Editor]

Mexican protests block TV studios amidst election scandal < br />

2012-07-29 01:23:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Protests in Mexico continued on Thursday and Friday against the recent presidential election results, as thousands formed a 'human blockade' around the country's main TV station.

Controversial allegations have been made public against President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto and the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) since presidential campaigns began. Accusations include the distribution of supermarket gift cards in exchange for votes, media bias, with Mexico's largest TV stations and newspapers favoring Peña Nieto's presidential campaign by manipulating polls and deceiving viewers, as well as irregularities in ballot stations and threats.

On Thursday night, thousands of people gathered in Mexico City's Revolution Monument where they marched down toward Televisa's TV studio on Chapultepec Avenue in order to set up a 'human blockade,' arguing that the network has been responsible of 'misinforming and manipulating the Mexican people.' Allegations also say the network received millions of pesos to favor Peña Nieto's campaign.

Student organization 'Yo Soy132' (I am 132) were joined by other social organizations, unions and workers, forming the blockade in order to avoid 'further lies to come out.' People have been allowed to exit the TV station, but protesters are trying to block the entrance of employees. Televisa announced, however, that regular programming will continue.

Organizations are demanding democratic media, as well as health and education reforms. With 'tell the truth' chants, demonstrators have also argued that broadcasted information is presented as public opinion, manipulating and confusing the Mexican people, and ultimately working with government heads to 'impose' the country's leaders.

Demonstrations across the country have mostly focused against electoral-fraud in general and not in favor of any political party in particular, protesting against the 'imposition' of president-elect Peña Nieto.

The blockade is scheduled to continue until midnight on Friday with several activities programmed throughout the day such as concerts, movie screenings and workshops. The 24-hour'pacific takeover' of Televisa has had a festive atmosphere with people camping out on the street, dancing to music, and participating in social events and workshops.

Some 2,000 policemen formed another blockade around the TV station, and some protesters have been seen inviting them to dance and participate in the demonstrations and activities.

Government authorities said around 6,000 people had participated on Thursday night and Friday morning, but organizers claimed well over 10,000 protesters.

The presumed victory of Peña Nieto following the July 1 elections brings the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) back to power after governing Mexico for 71 years during the 20th century until 2000, when the conservative National Action Party (PAN) took control for two consecutive terms. The results favored him by roughly 7 points over leftist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

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