Claudia Sheinbaum is set to become Mexico’s first female president in the country’s 200-year history. After electoral authorities announced a statistical sample showing her irreversible lead, Sheinbaum declared, “I will become the first woman president of Mexico,” speaking at a downtown hotel with a smile.
“I don’t make it alone. We’ve all made it, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our mothers, our daughters, and our granddaughters.” She is quoted as saying by AP.
A Democratic Milestone
Sheinbaum highlighted the peaceful nature of the elections, stating, “We have demonstrated that Mexico is a democratic country with peaceful elections.”
The National Electoral Institute reported that Sheinbaum had between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote. Opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez garnered between 26.6% and 28.6%, while Jorge Álvarez Máynez received between 9.9% and 10.8%. Sheinbaum’s Morena party also secured majorities in both chambers of Congress.
Concessions and Confirmations
Sheinbaum announced that her competitors had called to concede. The preliminary count showed Sheinbaum 28 points ahead of Gálvez, with nearly 50% of polling places reporting. The historic nature of the election, with the two leading candidates being women, ensured that Mexico would make history.
A New Chapter Begins
Sheinbaum will begin her six-year term on October 1, as Mexico’s constitution prohibits reelection. As a leftist, she plans to address economic inequality and strengthen the social safety net, following the legacy of her mentor, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. “Of course, I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum with all my respect who ended up the winner by a wide margin,” López Obrador said. “She is going to be Mexico’s first (woman) president in 200 years.”
Public Reaction and Challenges Ahead
In Mexico City’s Zocalo, Sheinbaum’s win did not draw the jubilant crowds seen in 2018 for López Obrador, but those present were enthusiastic. “I promise that I am not going to let you down,” Sheinbaum reassured the crowd.
Sara Ríos, a retired professor, celebrated, saying, “She is going to work to bring peace to the country, and is going to manage to advance, but it is a slow process.”
Fernando Fernández, a chef, acknowledged the challenges ahead, expressing hope that Sheinbaum can “improve what AMLO couldn’t do, the price of gasoline, crime, and drug trafficking.”
Electoral Context and Security Concerns
The elections, marked by cartel violence, were also seen as a referendum on López Obrador’s presidency. Sheinbaum vowed to continue his policies, including a universal pension for the elderly and a youth apprenticeship program. However, opposition candidate Gálvez had promised a tougher stance on organized crime.
Voter Sentiments
Many voters expressed concerns over security and economic performance. Julio García, a Mexico City office worker, emphasized the need for change due to personal experiences with crime. Meanwhile, homemaker Stephania Navarrete, despite doubts about López Obrador, supported Sheinbaum for her potential to break gender barriers and focus on security issues.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s historic election marks a significant milestone for Mexico, reflecting deep societal divisions and the challenges of addressing cartel violence and economic growth. As Sheinbaum prepares to take office, she carries the hopes of those seeking continuity and change in equal measure.
