Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico’s leftwing presidential candidate, has vowed to step up acts of “civil resistance” to protest against the results of last month’s election, after the country’s supreme electoral tribunal ruled that only 9 per cent of the ballot boxes needed to be recounted.

Mr López Obrador is trying to force a full recount. He hinted that his pledge would involve continuing attempts to disrupt daily life in Mexico City, where his followers have blockaded the central avenue for the last week.