Mexico begins the 21st century with a bang. Voters last weekend rejected 71 years of one-party rule and elected Mr. Vicente Fox, a political outsider, as their president. The Mexican people have made it clear that they are ready for change. Mr. Fox, a rancher and former businessman, has vowed to do just that.
Mr. Fox shellacked his opponent, Mr. Francisco Labastida of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), taking 42.7 percent of the ballots cast and beating him by some 2.4 million votes. Mr. Fox's National Action Party (PAN) will command the largest number of seats in both of Mexico's houses of Congress, but it does not have an absolute majority. That will complicate the task of governing and reforming the country.
Reform would not be easy in any case. During 71 years of one-party rule, the PRI insinuated itself into every corner of Mexican society. The political machine was a marvel of efficiency during elections. It fed on patronage and bred corruption. Fortunately, the current president, Mr. Ernesto Zedillo, worked to clean up politics and pledged that the election would be free and fair. It was, and Mr. Fox's victory was the result. Mr. Zedillo will be pilloried by PRI loyalists, but the country owes him thanks for bringing real democracy to Mexico.