Originally published in Spanish by El Universal
Translated by irlandesa

Alliance for Chiapas Candidate Says Election Represents "A New Era of Reconciliation" in State

Tuxtla Gutie'rrez, Chiapas: The virtual governor-elect in the southeastern state of Chiapas, Pablo Salazar Mendiguchi'a, stated tonight that his victory represents a "new era of reconciliation" in the state, which is noted for the presence of the insurgent Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) and the continuous presence of the Mexican Army.

Accompanied by national leaders of the seven parties of the Alliance for Chiapas which had put him forward as their common candidate, Salazar Mendiguchi'a indicated that chiapanecos had sent a "clear message" in this election.

At a press conference, he spoke of forming a plural and inclusive government, and he committed himself to working so that Chiapas could be fully incorporated into the democratic process in Mexico.

According to the rapid official counts, Salazar Mendiguchi'a defeated PRI Sami David David, in elections which marked the first defeat of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in the state.