Claudia Sheinbaum Becomes Mexico's First Female President
In a historic election, Claudia Sheinbaum, candidate of the progressive platform (Morena, PVEM, PT), has been elected the first female president of Mexico. According to the rapid count published by the National Electoral Institute (INE), Sheinbaum secured between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote. Preliminary polls confirmed her victory with 60.2% of the vote against 28.3% of Xóchitl Gálvez, representative of PAN, PRI, and PRD.
President Joe Biden congratulated Sheinbaum on her 'historic' election, emphasizing the enduring ties between the United States and Mexico. 'I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in a spirit of partnership and friendship,' Biden stated. In her victory speech, Sheinbaum highlighted her commitment to maintaining a friendly and respectful relationship with the U.S. while defending the rights of Mexicans across the border.
Despite her decisive win, opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez announced her intention to challenge the election results. Gálvez cited 'confusion and many doubts' about the electoral process and emphasized the unequal competition they faced against the state's apparatus. The Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (TEPJF) must analyze any challenges by September 6, 2024.
Sheinbaum's victory extends beyond the presidency, as her party, Morena, along with its allies, secured a solid majority in Congress. The alliance won 7 out of 9 state governorships and maintained control over Mexico City. This majority enables Morena to implement significant constitutional reforms, including changes to the autonomous electoral agency and potential modifications to the Judiciary.
However, the electoral process was marred by significant violence. The mayor of Cotija, Yolanda Sánchez Figueroa, was assassinated 24 hours after Sheinbaum’s victory, following a campaign marked by the murder of 24 candidates. The ongoing cartel violence and Mexico's security issues remain critical concerns for Sheinbaum's incoming administration.
Sheinbaum, a Jewish academic and former mayor of Mexico City, has expressed gratitude for the support of the outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. She has promised to continue López Obrador’s policies, including universal pensions for the elderly and funding for apprenticeship programs for teenagers, while asserting that she is not a 'copy' of him.
- The rapid count conducted by the National Electoral Institute is an official statistical procedure designed to estimate the trend of the final voting results and citizen participation. The process helps in predicting the election outcomes before the complete ballot counting, which is expected to conclude late on Monday.
- The overwhelming support for Sheinbaum and her party, Morena, marks a significant shift in Mexican politics. This victory not only brings the first female president to office but also consolidates Morena's dominance in Mexican governance. The party's ability to implement constitutional reforms without needing opposition support will be a crucial aspect of Sheinbaum’s presidency.
- Despite the victory, the election season saw unprecedented violence. Two people were killed in attacks on polling stations in Puebla, and dozens of candidates were murdered, highlighting the severe security challenges facing Mexico. Sheinbaum's administration will need to address these concerns to ensure the safety and democracy of future elections.
