Central America, Enrique Pena Nieto | featured news

Enrique Pena Nieto took over as Mexican president on Saturday, offering a shot at redemption for the party that shaped modern Mexico if he can bring about an end to years of violence and economic underperformance.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Mexico's capital on Saturday to protest Enrique Peña Nieto's apparent win in the country's presidential election, accusing his long ruling party of buying votes.

The party that ruled Mexico with a tight grip for most of the last century has sailed back into power, promising a government that will be modern, responsible and open to criticism.

Mexico's presidential front-runner Enrique Pena Nieto holds a wide lead heading into Sunday's election, putting the once-dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) on track to regain power.

According to the media and Twitter frenzy, at least, the victor wasn't any candidate but a curvaceous model in a tight gown who puzzled millions by appearing on stage for less than 30 seconds during the showdown.

Mexico's presidential hopefuls square off in a televised debate on Sunday with the trailing candidates seeking to land heavy blows against hot favorite Enrique Pena Nieto to spoil his chances of victory in the July 1 election.