Oaxaca, Mexico - Strike, Election & Protest

We had another great trip to Mexico - specifically Oaxaca.
There was a bit of politics going on while we were in the city. The presidential election fell the on the day we arrived. Many people do not have any idea of the situation in the state of Oaxaca and the presidential election of Mexico which continues to be in limbo.

Please read the following for a brief understanding of events leading to our trip.
The blog is then set up day-by-day.
If you find the entry titled : 2 Julio 2006 - that was our first day.
If you would like to view all the pictures just click:
http://picasaweb.google.com/feralcow/Oaxaca2006


On July 2, 2006 Mexico conducted their national election for President and Congress. In one day the politics of the country would be decided for the next six years.
Prior to election day the teachers of Oaxaca state went on strike and marched to the Zocalo in the city of Oaxaca where they have camped sine May 22, 2006. The teachers were asking for better conditions for students, textbooks, chalkboards and an increase in wages based on inflation. The governor, Ulises Ruiz from the PRI party, refused to negotiate with them (his office is on the zocalo).
With the upcoming election drawing near, many groups joined the teachers. Some were also teachers from other states but many groups that showed up were political in nature. On June 14, 2006 Ruiz ordered the local police into the zocalo. Helicopters, police officers, dogs and tear gas were used to try and dismantle the protest. This attempt failed miserably. The protestors had crudely blocked all major roads leading to the zocalo. They fought the police with sticks and rocks and the police got out. Rumors circulated that 7 individuals were killed during the protests.
Election day was the day we arrived into Oaxaca - Sunday July 2, 2006. As we got into the cab to get to the city we asked who won. We were told that the new president was Obrador from the PRD party. Oaxaca state was very happy with this outcome because he campaigned for the people. The next morning we learned that the election was in limbo. It was too close to call. It came down to Calderon (PAN party) and Obrador (PRD). This cast a very different shadow on the zocalo.
I am trying to explain this situation because when you view the pictures and read some of my commentary of the trip you will see encampments, graffitti and many - many people in the zocalo. It was difficult to gather information regarding current situations because everyone had a different agenda.