Mexico: Energy reform referendum reveals impotence of the PRD

The result of the referendum was overwhelmingly against the reform, with close to 90 percent voting against it. Despite overwhelming popular opposition to the measure, the referendum drew only half the turnout the PRD expected, and holds only non-binding status.

The PRD is in the midst of a bitter inter-party factional battle, which has left the party fractured and in a state of disarray (See: Mexico: Election dispute threatens breakup of PRD). Media sources have attributed low voter turnout to a boycott of the referendum organized by the National Action Party (PAN) - the party of President Calderón. This is hardly credible, however, considering the widespread hostility to the PAN. The low turnout can only be understood in the context of decreasing support for the PRD by the Mexican working class.

The process of privatizations, of which Calderóns proposal is the latest expression, began in 1985 under the administration of Miguel de la Madrid