1.   But PRI leaders in Tabasco said that as governor he ruled the party there with iron top-down control.

2.   Even members of the government ruling party are questioning the measures.

3.   Growing unease over a single currency is underscored by the emergence of deep divisions in the U.K. ruling Conservative party.

4.   He said there was no agreement with other ruling parties to call them, but there was a deal to hold them if the opposition wanted them.

5.   Most of all, ruling parties know how to intimidate voters, particularly semiliterate rural voters acquainted with only one ruling party since independence.

6.   Powers is a blunt-spoken conservative who ruled the party with an iron fist and valued party loyalty above all.

7.   The longtime ruling party, known as the PRI, offers its tradition of top-down control and doing what it takes to stay in power.

8.   The leadership of the government and the right-wing ruling party, Arena, has changed since the worst excesses of that period.

9.   Persson made the announcement during a speech on Monday opening the weeklong meetings at which the minority ruling party is discussing its political platform.

10.   Opposition wins, ruling party trounced in vote tally.