Mexicans are gearing up for a historic election, set to be the largest in the country’s history and filled with violence. For the first time ever, a woman is likely to be elected president. The two main contenders, Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez, have split the electorate between them. Sheinbaum, a climate scientist, leads in the polls but Gálvez believes she has a chance to win if Mexicans turn out in force. The election marks progress for women in Mexican politics, as both candidates come with considerable experience.
The dominance of current president Andrés Manuel López Obrador has shaped the election, as Sheinbaum has promised to continue his legacy while Gálvez offers an alternative. López Obrador’s administration focused on lifting millions out of poverty but has also drawn criticism for weakening democratic institutions. The future president will face challenges such as cartel violence, economic problems like a ballooning federal deficit, and broad new responsibilities granted to the armed forces. The outcome of the US presidential election will also impact Mexico’s future, with President Biden providing continuity and Donald J. Trump potentially posing challenges.
On the issue of cartel violence, Sheinbaum has proposed to continue focusing on social causes while also working to lower rates of impunity and strengthen the national guard. Gálvez has criticized López Obrador’s strategy of “hugs not bullets” and has pledged to redirect military efforts to combat organized crime. With regards to the economy, Mexico benefits from being the largest trading partner of the US, but faces challenges such as a growing federal deficit and straining public finances due to debts at Pemex. The next president will have to navigate these complex issues.
Each candidate has expressed willingness to work with the next US president, whether it be Biden or Trump. Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico will have good relations with either president, while Gálvez believes she can handle Trump’s rhetoric and pragmatism to resolve border and fentanyl trade issues. The election, with its groundbreaking potential for the first female president in Mexico, will shape the country’s future and its relationship with the United States. Voters on Sunday will determine the direction Mexico takes in the face of numerous challenges.
