In a pivotal moment for Mexico, the country’s largest-ever election, marred by violence and rife with historic significance, took place on Sunday. The election is expected to propel Claudia Sheinbaum, the ruling party candidate, into the presidency, potentially making her Mexico’s first female president. Amidst this transformative event, two people were killed at polling centers, underscoring the severe challenges the nation faces.
Polling Day Violence
Voting was suspended at a polling place in Coyomeapan, Puebla, after a fatal shooting, as reported by the state electoral authority. Another death occurred at a polling center in Tlapanala, also in Puebla, confirmed by the state attorney general. These incidents are part of a broader, disturbing pattern of violence, with 38 candidates murdered during the campaign, making it the most violent election in Mexico’s modern history.
Claudia Sheinbaum, a physicist and former Mexico City mayor, has maintained a significant lead in opinion polls over her main competitor, Xochitl Galvez. If elected, Sheinbaum will inherit the daunting task of combating organized crime violence, a critical issue that plagued the tenure of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Under Lopez Obrador, more people have been killed than during any previous administration in Mexico’s modern history.
Voter Turnout and Public Sentiment
Despite the violence, voter turnout was high. Long lines formed outside polling places even before they opened at 8 a.m. local time. Many voters expressed a sense of hope and historic significance. Edelmira Montiel, an 87-year-old Sheinbaum supporter, reflected on the progress made since women could vote, expressing gratitude for witnessing this momentous occasion.
Nearly 100 million Mexicans were eligible to vote, with around 20,000 elected positions on the ballots, including Mexico City’s mayor, eight governorships, and both chambers of Congress. The scale of the elections underscores their significance in shaping Mexico’s political landscape.
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Challenges Facing the Next President in Mexico
Regardless of who wins, the new president will face numerous challenges. Addressing organized crime violence is paramount, given the deadly toll it has taken on the country. Additionally, the next leader will need to tackle electricity and water shortages and leverage the nearshoring trend, which sees companies moving supply chains closer to their main markets.
Economic and Social Policies
Both candidates have pledged to expand welfare programs, but this will be challenging amid a large deficit and sluggish GDP growth projected at just 1.5 percent by the central bank next year. Sheinbaum, in particular, has promised to continue many of Lopez Obrador’s policies, which have focused on aiding Mexico’s poorest citizens.
Foreign Relations and Trade
The new president will also navigate complex negotiations with the United States, especially regarding the large flows of US-bound migrants crossing Mexico and security cooperation over drug trafficking. These discussions could become more difficult if Donald Trump wins the US presidency in November, given his contentious policies towards Mexico, including a vow to impose 100 percent tariffs on Chinese cars made in Mexico and mobilizing special forces to combat cartels.
The Legacy of Lopez Obrador
Lopez Obrador has significantly influenced this election, positioning it as a referendum on his political agenda. Sheinbaum, his mentee, has had to counter opposition claims that she would merely be a puppet, despite her pledges to continue many of his policies. This influence is reflected in the voter base’s sentiments, with many supporting Sheinbaum due to her alignment with Lopez Obrador’s focus on the poor.
A victory for either Sheinbaum or Galvez would represent a major step forward in a country often criticized for its macho culture. The election of a female president would symbolize significant progress and could inspire further advancements in gender equality and representation in Mexican politics.
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Voter Experiences and Hopes
Voters from various backgrounds have expressed their hopes for the new administration. For instance, Rosa Maria Baltazar, a 69-year-old voter from an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Mexico City, lamented the corruption and violence but expressed hope for a better future. Similarly, Sam Castillo, a young dancer, highlighted the importance of the ruling party’s progressive stance on gender legislation and marriage equality, which aligns with his values as part of the LGBT community.
As Mexico awaits the official preliminary results expected late on Sunday, the country stands at a crossroads. The election not only holds the promise of electing the first female president but also highlights the critical issues facing the nation, from rampant violence and organized crime to economic challenges and complex international relations. The outcome will shape Mexico’s future, reflecting the hopes and struggles of its people in their quest for progress and stability.
