Mexico Election Race Heats Up As Two Women Vie For Presidency

Opposition hopeful Xochitl Galvez (L) and ruling party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum (R) are the frontrunners in the race for the Mexican presidency (Credit: AFP)

Campaigning officially begins Friday for elections likely to produce Mexico's first woman president -- a watershed for a nation with a long tradition of macho culture.

Rival rallies were planned as the race heats up for the June 2 vote, including an opposition gathering after midnight in one of the country's most violent states.