[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 58 (Thursday, May 12, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN MEXICO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Bonior] will be recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an election that 
could change the lives of millions of people.
  An election that could be a triumph for democracy and restore a sense 
of trust between a people and their government.
  An election that could have a deep and lasting impact upon the United 
States and affect both our economy and our way of life.
  I speak, of course, about the upcoming presidential election in the 
state of Mexico.
  This week, Mr. Speaker, the world celebrates the triumph of democracy 
in South Africa. We rejoice in the election of Nelson Mandela and the 
end of 300 years of brutal suppression and one-party rule.
  It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that 100 days from today, the world will 
once again rejoice in the triumph of democratic reform.
  We will celebrate free and fair elections in Mexico--and open and 
honest debate.
  And we will welcome a new President in Mexico who will be a partner 
with America and lead the world into a new era and a new century.
  That is our hope, Mr. Speaker--and indeed, there are many people in 
Mexico from across the political spectrum--both inside and outside the 
government--from all sectors of society who are working to meet that 
challenge.
  But let's not pull any punches, Mr. Speaker. It's a big challenge.
  The people of Mexico today are struggling to overcome decades of 
rigged elections and entrenched political corruption.
  Fresh in their minds are last December's election in the State of 
Yucatan, where voter turnout rates met or exceeded 100 percent in over 
20 precincts--and March's election in the state of Morelos, where 
widespread voter fraud was witnessed and widely reported.
  On the eve of the August 21 election, Mexico is struggling with a 
rebel uprising in the State of Chiapas.
  It's still reeling from the assassination of Donaldo Colosio, the 
ruling party's original presidential candidate.
  It's still witnessing massive demonstrations throughout the country 
calling for greater democracy and a more open electoral process.
  And in recent weeks, it's become increasingly clear that in 
preparation for the August election the government of Mexico is 
investing not only in new polling stations and new voter cards but also 
in riot-control vehicles for any civil unrest that might occur.
  I have an article in front of me that details millions of dollars 
that the Mexican Government has spent on 18 commando vehicles equipped 
with water cannons capable of leveling crowds and on armored trucks 
fitted with plows to break through barricaded streets.
  I think we'd all agree, Mr. Speaker, that the purchase of these 
vehicles sends the wrong signal. Because if the elections were going to 
be honest and open, there shouldn't be any need for riot control 
because there shouldn't be any riots.
  Now, those are some of the obstacles Mexico has to overcome. But 
while there are obstacles, there are also great opportunities.
  The passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement--even though I 
thought we could have come up with a better agreement--presents new 
opportunities for both Mexico and America.
  In the wake of last fall's NAFTA debate, Mexican leaders from across 
the political spectrum have recognized the need for political reform 
and have begun to work together.
  Last January, Mexico's major political parties joined together in an 
agreement--known as the Agreement for Peace, Democracy and Justice--to 
reform the electoral system.
  Among other things, the agreement called for an independent election-
monitoring authority and since then, the Mexican Congress has met 
several times to make the necessary constitutional and statutory 
changes needed to reform the electoral process.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe the United States should be supporting these 
reforms.
  We should be encouraging Mexico to comply with the principles of 
democracy set forth in the Agreement for Peace, Democracy, and Justice 
and we should be urging them to invite representatives from the United 
Nations and the Organization of American States to monitor the August 
elections.
  International observers will help bridge the mistrust that exists now 
between the people and their government and will give the Mexican 
people the confidence to know that their vote will be respected.
  Mr. Speaker, we could be on the dawn of a new day in Mexico.
  In August, the people of Mexico will come to a fork in the road.
  Down one path lies the bright path of democracy and free and fair 
elections.
  And down the other path lies water cannons and armored trucks.
  Today, I believe we need to do all we can to encourage Mexico to 
choose the right path.

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