Mexico’s Sheinbaum Lead Narrows to 15 Points, Poll Says
Mexican Presidential Race: Sheinbaum's Lead Narrows as Election Approaches.
Mexican Presidential Race: Sheinbaum's Lead Narrows
In a significant development, the lead of Claudia Sheinbaum, the presidential candidate from Mexico's ruling party, has narrowed over Xochitl Galvez, the main opposition contender. According to the latest April poll, Sheinbaum's lead has decreased from 19 percentage points to 15 percentage points, indicating a potential shift in the dynamics of the upcoming presidential election.
Shift in Support
The poll reveals a decline in support for Sheinbaum, with the percentage of Mexicans intending to vote for her dropping from 52% to 49%. On the contrary, support for Galvez has seen a slight increase from 33% to 34%. This change in support levels suggests a closer and more competitive race than previously anticipated.
Rise in Support for Other Candidates
Another notable finding from the poll is the rise in support for Jorge Alvarez Maynez, the candidate from the Movimiento Ciudadano party. Alvarez Maynez's support has increased from 4% to 6%, indicating a growing appeal among voters. Additionally, a significant 11% of respondents remain undecided, highlighting a considerable portion of the electorate that could sway the election outcome.
Implications for the Presidency
These developments are particularly significant as Mexico is on the verge of potentially electing its first female president in the upcoming June 2 vote. The narrowing gap between Sheinbaum and Galvez suggests a more competitive race, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Mexico.
Additional Insights from the Poll
The poll also provides several other key insights into the upcoming election. A majority of respondents, accounting for 56%, expressed their intention to participate in the voting process.
Furthermore, if congressional elections were held today, 40% of respondents would vote for the ruling Morena party, while 21% would support the opposition PAN party. Additionally, 64% of respondents indicated that they believe the National Electoral Institute (INE) fulfills its function adequately, reflecting a level of confidence in the electoral process.
Poll Details
Conducted by Grupo de Economistas y Asociados (GEA) and Investigaciones Sociales Aplicadas (ISA), the poll surveyed 1,070 people in person at their homes between April 11-14. With a margin of error of +/- 3%, the poll results are considered reliable and indicative of the current political sentiments in Mexico.