Election victory ‘important for PRI’
The success of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in the state election in Mexico has been described as an "important victory".
Carlos Ramirez, an expert at the Eurasia Group, told Reuters this represents a positive step forwards for both the party and its leader Enrique Pena Nieto.
"The margin is more than everyone expected," he commented.
However, Mr Ramirez urged observers not to automatically expect that the same result will be played out in the upcoming presidential elections, in which Mr Pena Nieto is aiming to stand.
Nevertheless, a leading academic believes the outcome of this election will have some bearing over future polls.
Professor George Grayson, a Mexico specialist at the College of William and Mary, was quoted by the Voice of America as saying this contest was in "many ways a primary for next year's election".
Incumbent president Felipe Calderon is currently facing widespread criticism over his government's handling of ongoing drug-related violence, which has led to several demonstrations being staged across the country.
