- Claudia becomes the first woman to be elected President of Mexico
- Sheinbaum is a former mayor of Mexico City
- However, the campaign was marred by violence
Claudia Sheinbaum has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected President of Mexico, winning an overwhelming majority of between 58% and 60% of the vote.
Her closest rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, conceded defeat after Sheinbaum’s significant lead became apparent.
Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City and a scientist by training, has pledged to build on the policies of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and continue his popular welfare programs.
In her victory speech, she acknowledged the significance of her achievement, stating that it was not just a personal triumph but also a milestone for all women in Mexico.
The election marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, with both front-runners being women.
However, the campaign was marred by violence, with over 20 local candidates killed across Mexico.
Sheinbaum faces significant challenges as president, including addressing the country’s high levels of violence and crime, and navigating relations with the United States.
She has pledged to tackle the root causes of violence and invest in welfare programs to prevent young Mexicans from being recruited by criminal groups.
On relations with the US, she promises a relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, and equality, and vows to defend the rights of Mexicans living and working in the US.
Sheinbaum’s victory is seen as a significant step forward for women in Mexico, and her presidency is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s political and social landscape.
