国际英语新闻:Mexico's general elections go on smoothly: Calderon

MEXICO CITY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Felipe Calderon said Sunday that the general elections so far have been proceeding "normally" in most parts of the country,despite sporadic "incidents of some concern."

The president made his remarks after casting his votes in two separate polling stations in this national capital of Mexico, the first for the presidential elections and the second for local elections.

Calderon, who took office in 2006 and will hand power to the next president in Dec.1, said that the electoral process is " respectable and reliable."

He said it was a big day for Mexico, because millions of Mexicans could exercise their right to vote and make the most important decision in their lives.

While mentioning sporadic incidents without disclosing further details, the Mexican president said he met with security officials Sunday morning to discuss the country's electoral process and evaluate the installation of polling stations.

"In general, (the election process in) most of the country has developed normally. I hope that the people of Mexico will continue to perform peacefully to elect our leaders, (the election process will) continue in peace and develop well," he said.

Calderon turned out to vote with his wife, Margarita Zavala, and their three children. He also called on Mexican citizens to denounce the irregularities they observed.

Mexican Interior Minister Alejandro Poire said there were some incidents of insecurity "as happens every day in the country," but people could vote with confidence thanks to a large deployment of federal and state forces to ensure the security of elections.

The polling stations will close at 6:00 p.m.(2300 GMT) on Sunday. Mexico's Federal Electoral Institute is expected to announce the quick count results of polling stations at 11:45 p.m. (0445 GMT Monday), but the official count will continue until next week.