Claudia Sheinbaum vowed on Monday,the 3rd June,2024, not to let Mexico down after her election as the country’s first woman president in a landmark victory.
“I won’t fail you,” the ruling party candidate assured, following preliminary results showing her with approximately 58-60 percent of the voting in Mexico City’s main square, jubilant supporters celebrated with mariachi music and flag-waving, marking Sheinbaum’s historic win.
The 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City, with a background in science, led by over 30 percentage points against her main rival, Xochitl Galvez, and by around 50 points over centrist candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez.
Despite sporadic violence in areas terrorized by drug cartels, voters turned out en masse, safeguarded by thousands of troops after a particularly violent electoral process that saw over two dozen local political candidate murdered.
Sheinbaum hailed the election as “historic,” underscoring the significance of her triumph in a nation grappling with widespread criminal and gender-based violence.
Sheinbaum’s victory marks a significant moment for the Latin American left, which has faced numerous setbacks in recent years. She will assume office on October 1st, representing the left-leaning National Regeneration Movement (Morena) party.
Sheinbaum’s rise to the presidency owes much to her mentor, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), who founded the Morena party and has maintained high approval ratings throughout his term. AMLO, limited by law to one term, leaves office in September with an approval rating consistently above 60 percent, making him one of the most popular leaders globally.
His tenure was marked by progressive policies aimed at expanding social programs for the poor and controversial measures such as increasing the military’s role and collaborating with the United States on migration control.
Sheinbaum, who served as AMLO’s secretary of the environment when he was the head of Mexico City’s government in 2000, has pledged to continue his signature policies, including the “hugs not bullets” strategy that focuses on addressing the root causes of crime rather than using force. This approach has been contentious, particularly in a country where politics, crime, and corruption are deeply intertwined, and drug cartels often influence elections to favor their preferred candidates.In addition to the presidency, Mexicans voted for more than 20,000 positions, including members of Congress, state governors, and local officials. The sweeping election results reflect a strong mandate for Morena and its policies.
International leaders have widely praised Sheinbaum’s victory. US President Joe Biden extended his congratulations, expressing a commitment to working closely with Sheinbaum to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Leaders from Brazil, Chile, and other nations also hailed her election as a positive step for the region president, Sheinbaum will face significant challenges, including managing delicate relations with the United States, particularly concerning cross-border drug smuggling and migration. Her ability to navigate these issues while continuing AMLO’s progressive agenda will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
Sheinbaum’s election represents a new chapter for Mexico, with the potential to further progressive policies and address longstanding issues in innovative ways, all while making strides towards greater gender equality in the country’s political landscape.
