Mexico: Dissident Teachers Call Strike, Election Boycott

Dissident teachers from several Mexican states organized in the National Teachers Coordinating Committee (CNTE) marched on the country's capital on Monday as part of actions in preparation for a nationwide strike to demand cancellation of the government's educational reforms, which they charge favor corporate interests not the needs of the population and are a step toward privatization. The CNTE won a partial victory when the government announced the indefinite suspension of its controversial teacher evaluation program, which many feel is biased against the country's poorer regions. The radical, independent teachers union has also called for a boycott of Sunday's midterm elections, arguing that the political system is corrupt, and is threatening to blockade local boards of election. Clayton Conn reports from Mexico City. teleSUR