Mexico's major opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) is taking a lead in Sunday's mid-term parliamentary elections, while President Felipe Calderon's ruling party has conceded defeat.

Early returns showed that with about 45 percent of the ballots counted, the PRI gained about 35 percent of vote for the lower house of Congress, while the National Action Party (PAN) obtained about 27 percent. The leftist Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) garnered about 12 percent.

Shortly after the elections, a number of surveys predicted victory for the PRI. PRI Chairwoman Beatriz Paredes also expressed her belief that her party would win the elections.

German Martinez, head of the ruling PAN, told reporters that the victory of the PRI would make it a leading force in the lower chamber.

"The Institutional Revolutionary Party has won the status of the largest party in the lower house. We recognize and congratulate the PRI," Martinez said.

In a televised speech, Calderon acknowledged the results and urged the country to unite for a quick economic recovery.

"Now we have to focus our efforts on the country's recovery ... economic growth, job creation, and public safety," Calderon said.

Mexican voters were electing 500 federal congressmen in the vote. They will also choose six governors and some 500 state and municipal officials. Voter turnout stood at 43.7 percent.

Source: Xinhua