Claudia Sheinbaum to Become Mexico’s First Female President
Claudia Sheinbaum to Become Mexico’s First Female President
A Dive into Claudia Sheinbaum's Groundbreaking Win and Its Implications for Mexico.
Preliminary results
In a monumental moment for Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum is on track to become the country’s first female president. Preliminary results from the National Electoral Institute (INE) show that Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, has secured between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote in what is being hailed as the largest election in Mexico’s history. This victory not only signifies a shift in gender dynamics but also highlights the enduring influence of her political mentor, the outgoing leftist President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and their Morena party.
The Numbers: A Landslide Victory
Sheinbaum’s impressive lead is based on the INE’s Quick Count, a statistical sample of ballots from polling stations across the country. Her nearest competitor, opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez, backed by a coalition of the National Action (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary (PRI), and Democratic Revolution (PRD) parties, garnered between 26.6% and 28.6% of the votes. In third place is the Citizens’ Movement candidate, Jorge Álvarez Máynez, with between 9.9% and 10.8%.
The preliminary results indicate a voter turnout between 58.9% and 61.7% of the nearly 100 million eligible voters. This high level of participation underscores the significance of this election in the eyes of the Mexican public.
Breaking Barriers: First Female and Jewish President
Claudia Sheinbaum’s election is historic not only because she is set to be Mexico’s first female president but also its first Jewish leader. Although she seldom discusses her personal background publicly, her governance as a secular leftist aligns with the inclusive message she conveyed to her supporters in Mexico City’s main square, the Zócalo. “Even though many Mexicans do not fully agree with our project, we will have to walk in peace and harmony to continue building a fair and more prosperous Mexico,” she stated.
In her victory speech, Sheinbaum acknowledged the historical significance of her win: “I am also grateful because, for the first time in 200 years of the republic, I will become the first woman president of Mexico.”
The Morena Legacy
Sheinbaum’s rise to power is deeply intertwined with the popularity of her mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), and the Morena party. AMLO’s social welfare programs have significantly boosted the party’s standing among poorer Mexicans, and Sheinbaum has pledged to continue many of these initiatives, including pensions for all senior citizens, scholarships for over 12 million students, and free fertilizers for small farm owners.
Despite criticisms of her close political alignment with López Obrador, Sheinbaum’s commitment to these social programs resonated with a large portion of the electorate.
AMLO himself praised her victory, emphasizing her broad support: “With all my affection and respect I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum who came out victorious with an ample margin. She will be the first female President of Mexico… but also the President, possibly, with the most votes obtained in all of the history of our country.”
Challenges Ahead: Security and Violence
While Sheinbaum’s victory is a cause for celebration, it also comes with significant challenges. Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries for women, with alarmingly high femicide rates—around 10 women are murdered every day.
Additionally, the country is grappling with widespread violence, particularly related to cartel activity. The run-up to the election saw more than 20 political killings, with some estimates putting the number even higher.
Sheinbaum has been somewhat reserved about her specific security proposals but has pointed to her achievements as Mexico City mayor, where she improved police working conditions and intelligence capabilities. One of her biggest tasks will be to tackle the culture of impunity that prevails in Mexico, where around 95% of all crimes went unsolved in 2022.
The Road to Inauguration
The final election results are subject to review by the Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (TEPJF), which will address any challenges and certify the election no later than September 6. If validated, Claudia Sheinbaum will be inaugurated on October 1, marking the beginning of a six-year term that promises to shape the future of Mexico.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s projected win is a landmark event in Mexico’s political history. As the first female and Jewish president, she represents a significant step towards gender equality and diversity in leadership.
Her alignment with AMLO’s popular policies and her plans to address Mexico’s pressing issues offer a glimpse into the future direction of the country. As Mexico awaits the official certification of the results, the world watches with anticipation as Sheinbaum prepares to lead a nation at a crossroads.