Claudia Sheinbaum, representing Mexico’s ruling party, is set to become the country’s first female president after securing a significant victory in the recent presidential election. According to exit polls by Parametria, Sheinbaum is projected to win with 56% of the vote, while opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez is expected to receive 30%.
Breaking the glass ceiling
With this win, Sheinbaum shatters the highest political glass ceiling in Mexico, a nation with a deep-rooted macho culture. “I never imagined I would one day vote for a woman,” said 87-year-old Edelmira Montiel from Tlaxcala, highlighting the historic nature of this election.
Election results and controversies
Provisional results are expected shortly, and Galvez has not yet conceded, urging her supporters to await the official tally. Meanwhile, Sheinbaum’s party, MORENA, has also claimed victory in the Mexico City mayorship race, though the opposition disputes this.
The election was marred by violence, with two people killed at polling stations in Puebla state, contributing to the most violent election period in Mexico’s modern history. Thirty-eight candidates were killed, underscoring the influence of warring drug cartels on the democratic process. Addressing organized crime will be a crucial task for Sheinbaum, as security remains a top concern for many voters.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s victory marks a pivotal moment for Mexico
Despite the anticipated victory, pre-election polls suggest that MORENA and its allies may not secure a two-thirds majority in Congress, complicating efforts to pass constitutional reforms. Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been a significant influence in the campaign, framing the vote as a referendum on his political agenda. Sheinbaum, while committed to continuing many of his policies, especially those aiding Mexico’s poorest citizens, denies claims that she would be a “puppet” of Lopez Obrador.
Political analyst Viri Rios argues that assumptions of Sheinbaum being a puppet are rooted in sexism. “It’s unbelievable that people can’t believe she’ll make her own decisions, and I think that’s largely because she’s a woman,” Rios stated.
Sheinbaum’s victory marks a pivotal moment for Mexico, symbolizing progress in gender equality and setting the stage for her to address the nation’s critical issues.