Main opposition claims victory in Mexico's state, local polls

MEXICO CITY - Mexico's main opposition party, which ruled the country for most of the last century, claimed victory in Sunday's state elections marked by a blood-stained campaign.

"The results that we have in hand show that our victory was convincing," Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) national leader Beatriz Paredes told reporters, after exit polls suggested they had won at least nine of 12 governorships up for grabs.

The elections - also for mayors and local deputies in 14 states - were the last major test ahead of presidential polls in 2012 and were seen as an unofficial referendum on President Felipe Calderon's war on violent drug gangs.