21.   According to OSCE officials, SDA gangs often harass opposition candidates, either through threats or violence.

22.   Budisa is considered likely to be the main opposition candidate for the presidency, while Racan is likely to become prime minister.

23.   But either opposition candidate could benefit from a floating bloc of votes not committed to the PRI.

24.   But he said that some changes can be made, such as opening up the airways to opposition candidates.

25.   But the main opposition candidate said he would not accept the results.

26.   But the opposition candidates fought on, even though they lacked access to government-controlled news media or public financing, which supports established parties.

27.   But the real battle is fought in rural hamlets like this one, where little-known opposition candidates are struggling.

28.   But the opposition candidate, Amado Avendano, said after the sessions ended that no accord had been reached.

29.   But the other main opposition candidate, Cuauhtemoc Cardenas of the Democratic Revolutionary Party, is not.

30.   But the opposition candidates have also had trouble gaining traction because, in their view, they are competing on a tilted playing field.