3m turnout in Mexican poll

Mexico City - An estimated three million Mexicans, aged 12 and above, cast a vote in Sunday's Zapatista referendum on indigenous…

Mexico City - An estimated three million Mexicans, aged 12 and above, cast a vote in Sunday's Zapatista referendum on indigenous rights, according to preliminary results announced early yesterday morning, writes Michael McCaughan.

The turnout was more than twice the number of people who voted in a similar referendum held in 1995. The symbolic nationwide support for the rebel demands will increase pressure on the ruling party to honour the 1996 San Andres peace accord which was signed by the government but subsequently rejected by President Ernesto Zedillo.