Drug Trafficking, Gangsterism Down Prior to Mexico Elections

By Linda Lyons

● Confidence in government remains low

June 29, Washington, DC -- Ahead of Mexico's presidential election, Gallup surveys suggest Mexicans are seeing some progress on one of the top issues on the campaign trail -- the country's ongoing drug war. Far fewer Mexicans surveyed in late March and early April of this year report gang activity (36%) and drug trafficking (26%) in their neighborhoods than did so when outgoing President Felipe Calderon launched his battle against the drug cartels six years ago.

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All three major-party candidates are offering new strategies to end the drug-related violence, which has some U.S. lawmakers nervous about the outcome of the vote. According to CNN, a Republican congressman recently shared his concerns about Mexico's "impending change in power" with the head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Confidence in Government Falls Despite Lower Perceived Drug, Gang Activity

The improvement in reported drug and gang activity hasn't translated into higher confidence in the national government and other institutions, which may not bode well for the ruling National Action Party's candidate Josefina Vazquez Mota. Mexicans' confidence in the national government has declined nearly 10 percentage points since 2007, falling to 33% in early 2012. Additionally, slightly fewer than three in ten Mexicans (28%) have faith in the judicial system, down from 37% in 2007. Even confidence in the military -- the same forces Calderon employed continuously in the fight against drug cartels -- has flagged slightly to 59% today from 64% in 2007.

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For the complete Gallup Poll article, with graphs, link to ("Mexican Drug, Gang Activity Down Ahead of Election," June 29, 2012).  Reprinted with permission.