Mexico Leftist to Create Parallel Gov't

Aug 29, 5:12 PM EDT

By MARK STEVENSON
Associated Press Writer

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, convinced he won't be awarded the presidency, has vowed to create a parallel leftist government and is urging Mexicans not to recognize the apparent victory of the ruling party's Felipe Calderon.

While his party lacks the seats in Congress to block legislation, Lopez Obrador can mobilize millions to pressure his conservative rival to adopt the left's agenda - or to clamp down and risk a backlash.

Both scenarios are possibilities as the former Mexico City mayor lays out plans to create his own government to rule from the streets, with the support of thousands who are already occupying protest camps throughout downtown Mexico City.

Some predict his parallel initiative - which Lopez Obrador's supporters call the "legitimate government" - could turn those protest camps into the core of a violent revolt, especially if the government tries to shut it down.