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Mexico reaches for democracy

In this story:
• Mexico City, legislature seen as litmus test for change
• PRI says it will respect election reforms
• Key concerns: corruption, drug trafficking, economy

MEXICO CITY (CNN) -- Mexico's viability as a democracy is on the line as voters go to the polls in midterm elections for federal and regional leaders July 6.

At all levels, the election will test whether Mexico can shift from what effectively has been an authoritarian one-party state to a truly functional multi-party system.

The monolithic Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), weakened by internal division and a legacy of corruption, could lose its nearly 70-year hold on power in several key races.

M O R E

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