The upcoming election in Mexico on June 2 is set to be the largest in the country’s history, with more than 20,700 positions at both federal and local levels up for grabs. The spotlight will be on the race for president as Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, finishes his term as a popular leader. Scientist and former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum hopes to succeed him, facing competition from conservative rival Xochitl Galvez. If either woman wins, it will be a historic moment for Mexico, marking the first time a female president is elected.
This election is expected to see record-breaking voter participation, with about 100 million Mexicans likely to cast their ballots. The electoral process will involve voting at 170,000 polling stations across the country, with both physical and online options available. Two main coalitions have emerged in the presidential race – one led by conservative parties and the other by the left-leaning Morena party, the current governing party. Political analyst Carlos Bravo Regidor notes that these coalitions are a result of Lopez Obrador’s impact on Mexican politics, bringing together historic rivals in an effort to defeat his candidates.
Key issues in the campaign include security, social programs, and corruption, with voters viewing the election as a referendum on AMLO’s presidency. Sheinbaum has promised to continue AMLO’s policies, while Galvez has presented herself as a protest candidate aiming to tackle violence and corruption more aggressively. The campaign has also been marred by violence, with numerous candidates falling victim to attacks by drug cartels and organized crime groups. Sheinbaum currently holds a significant lead in the polls, benefiting from AMLO’s popularity and the association of Galvez with traditional parties known for corruption and inefficiency.
Lopez Obrador’s legacy as president has been marked by efforts to address poverty and social inequality, but critics have raised concerns about his attempts to weaken the country’s democratic institutions and expand the military’s role in public safety initiatives. The failure to address crime and the thousands of missing persons cases in Mexico remains a pressing issue. Lopez Obrador’s inability to run for a second term is due to Mexico’s constitution, which limits the presidency to a single term, a legacy of the country’s history of fighting against long-term dictatorships.
This election will be a pivotal moment for Mexico as voters decide on the future direction of the country. The outcome will not only determine the next president but also set the course for addressing ongoing challenges such as crime, corruption, and social inequality. The unprecedented level of voter participation underscores the importance of this election for the Mexican population, as they seek leadership that can effectively address the pressing issues facing the country. As the candidates make their final push in the campaign, the world waits to see the outcome of this historic election.
