Claudia Sheinbaum has made history by becoming Mexico's first woman president, winning by a significant margin in Sunday's election, according to preliminary official results. The former Mexico City mayor and scientist secured approximately 58-60% of the vote, significantly outpacing her main rivals, Xochitl Galvez and Jorge Alvarez Maynez.
Celebrations erupted in Mexico City’s main square as crowds of flag-waving supporters sang and danced to mariachi music, rejoicing in the ruling party candidate’s victory.
Despite sporadic violence in regions plagued by ultra-violent drug cartels, voters turned out in large numbers, with thousands of troops deployed to protect them following a particularly bloody electoral process that saw over two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered.
Sheinbaum hailed the election day as historic, expressing her commitment to democracy. After casting her ballot, she revealed she had voted for 93-year-old leftist veteran Ifigenia Martinez rather than herself.
Xochitl Galvez, the main opposition candidate, urged her supporters to vigilantly monitor the vote count, criticizing the ruling party's power. The election has been seen as a potential turning point for women's rights in Mexico, where gender-based violence is rampant. Many women voters expressed hope that Sheinbaum would advance women's rights and address issues like femicides.
Sheinbaum's popularity is partly attributed to her connection with outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has significant public approval but is limited to one term. Voter Reina Balbuena highlighted the support the ruling party has provided to vulnerable groups as a reason for her support of Sheinbaum.
Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in Mexico, the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country with a population of 129 million.
