Mexico's Lopez Obrador on brink of historic presidential win

MEXICO CITY — Leftist populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was on the brink of a historic presidential win Sunday night as an exit poll gave him an overwhelming lead and both of his chief rivals conceded defeat.

The survey by Consulta Mitofsky and broadcast by the Televisa network said Lopez Obrador had a 16 to 26 percent lead over his nearest rival, conservative Ricardo Anaya, and a slightly larger edge over Jose Antonio Meade of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary party.

"The tendency favors Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. ... I recognize his triumph," Anaya said in a speech to supporters.

Minutes earlier Meade had also conceded, saying "for the good of Mexico, I wish him the greatest success." Lopez Obrador, better known as AMLO, has said he will transform Mexico if victorious in his third bid for the presidency, ousting the "mafia of power" he claims has looted the country and ruling for the poor.

Exit polls by Consulta Mitofsky also forecast clear gubernatorial wins for allies of Lopez Obrador's Morena party in four of eight state races on the ballot plus for the head of government in Mexico City. The central highland state of Guanajuato was predicted to go to a candidate of the conservative National Action Party.

Lopez Obrador worries many who fear he could set the country back decades and lead to disaster with an interventionist economic policy.

He has pledged to give scholarships or paid apprenticeships to youth, and increase support payments for the elderly.

AP