Mexico polls test political support

The elections for 12 governors, 14 state legislatures and mayors in 15 states in Mexico are the biggest political challenge yet for the government of Felipe Calderon.

The Mexican president has deployed troops and federal police to wrest back territory from drug traffickers.

But drug-related violence, which is widespread in the country, has prevented many Mexicans from participating in the vote.

Many see the elections as a major test of public support for Calderon and his economic and security policies.

Al Jazeera's Tom Ackerman reports.

[July 4, 2010]