Mexico's Calderon says drug gangs threatening democracy

Organised crime poses an "open threat" to democracy in Mexico, President Felipe Calderon has warned. 

Mr Calderon said attempts by drug gangs to manipulate elections was a "new and worrying fact".

Speaking as his sixth and final year in office began, Mr Calderon also defended his decision to use troops to tackle the cartels.

Mr Calderon's speech comes as political campaigns are intensifying ahead of next July's presidential poll.

President Calderon used his speech on Sunday to reiterate his commitment to fight Mexico's drug gangs.

Crime represented a threat to the viability of the Mexican state and national democracy, Mr Calderon said.    More Read