Mexican leftist joins presidential race

MEXICO CITY - Mexico City's former mayor, leading in polls to become president in elections next year, became the de facto candidate today for the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution, or PRD.

The PRD was to vote for a candidate but as Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a former Indian rights activist, was the sole contender he has automatically become the PRD's candidate, without an election taking place.

"The time limit ended on September 18 and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was the only registered candidate," PRD leader Javier Hidalgo said.

The PRD is the first major Mexican party to select their contender for the key elections.

Party leaders will meet Lopez Obrador in late November, Hidalgo said, when he is expected to be named the official PRD candidate. "It's a formality," Hidalgo said.

Lopez Obrador holds a firm 10-point lead over his nearest rival as campaigning heats up, recent polls have shown.

Trailing him is Santiago Creel of the ruling National Action Party. Creel is a former interior minister and an ally of conservative President Vicente Fox. Mexican presidents are banned from bidding for a second term.

But Creel is facing tough competition to win the nomination of his party.

- REUTERS