ABSTRACT
The historic electoral defeat of the PRI in 2000 forms part of a gradual process of political change the country has undergone for more than a decade, a process characterized by incremental electoral liberalization, a change in the balance of power among the three branches of government, a significant increase in popular mobilization, and the emergence and strengthening of several political parties. This process has unfolded in contrast with the rapid collapse of authoritarian rule of other Latin American countries of the 1980s and 1990s. In addition to its protracted nature, political change in Mexico has also been characterized by unevenness: while significant strides toward greater political competition and freedom have undeniably been made on some levels, there have also been shortcomings and regressions on others.
