MEXICO CITY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's presidential hopefuls Ricardo Anaya, Jose Antonio Meade and Jaime Rodriguez on late Sunday conceded defeat to left-wing candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Anaya, of the National Action Party (PAN), who came in second according to exit polls, officially conceded defeat 40 minutes after the polls closed nationwide.
"I believe in democracy because I am a democrat ... the results I am getting, indicate that the tendency favors Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador," Anaya said.
Unofficial results showed Lopez Obrador enjoyed a commanding lead of about 20 percent over his closest rival.
Meade, candidate of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), was the first to concede defeat, within minutes of the polls' closing.
"For the good of Mexico, I wish him the greatest success," said Meade, former finance minister under current President Enrique Pena Nieto. He was ranked third place in the vote.
Rodriguez, who made history by becoming Mexico's first independent presidential candidate, congratulated Lopez Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement (Morena).
Lopez Obrador, a former mayor of Mexico City who unsuccessfully ran for president two times before, pledged during his campaign to combat corruption and to help the poor.
The winner is expected to give a victory speech at Mexico City's central square after the National Electoral Institute (INE) announces the election's preliminary results.
