Mexican voters are poised to make history on Sunday by electing their first woman president, a significant milestone in a country beset by crime and gender-based violence. Claudia Sheinbaum, the ruling party candidate and former Mexico City mayor, leads with a 17-point advantage over her main rival, Xochitl Galvez.
Sheinbaum’s Popularity and Policies
Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, is expected to continue the policies of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is popular with an approval rating of over 60 percent. Supporters like Blanca Sosa, a store worker, hope Sheinbaum will maintain the positive changes introduced by Lopez Obrador, such as pensions for the elderly and increased minimum wage.
Opposition Perspective and Campaign Violence
Ricardo Sanchez, a businessman, supports Galvez due to her “business vision” and criticizes Lopez Obrador’s policies for impoverishing the population. The election season has been marked by violence, with over two dozen aspiring politicians murdered. Nearly 100 million people are registered to vote, and thousands of troops will be deployed to protect voters from drug cartel violence.
Security and Socioeconomic Challenges
Security remains a critical issue in Mexico, with voting suspended in some areas due to violence. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a professor at George Mason University, emphasizes that the next president’s biggest challenge will be combating organized crime. Sheinbaum plans to continue Lopez Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” strategy, while Galvez promises a tougher stance on cartel-related violence.
Final Campaign Rallies and Broader Election
At her final rally, Sheinbaum addressed thousands, emphasizing unity and support for women. Polls indicate Sheinbaum has the backing of 53 percent of voters, with Galvez at 36 percent and centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez trailing with 11 percent. Alongside the presidential vote, Mexicans will elect members of Congress, state governors, and local officials, with over 20,000 positions contested.
