In a historic turning point for Mexico, voters are set to make a groundbreaking decision in the 2024 presidential election. For the first time in the nation’s history, they will choose between two leading female candidates, marking a significant shift in Mexican politics.
The governing party, Morena, has nominated Claudia Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City, as its candidate, while the opposition has put forward Xóchitl Gálvez, an outspoken engineer with Indigenous roots. This blog post explores this landmark moment and the two formidable women vying for Mexico’s highest office.
Claudia Sheinbaum: A Protégé of López Obrador:
Claudia Sheinbaum, a physicist with a doctorate in environmental engineering, has risen through the political ranks as a protégé of Mexico’s current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. With high approval ratings enjoyed by López Obrador, who is limited to one six-year term by Mexico’s Constitution, Sheinbaum’s connection to the current president is expected to give her a crucial edge in the upcoming election.
Xóchitl Gálvez: An Indigenous Engineer’s Ascent:
Xóchitl Gálvez, an engineer with Indigenous roots, has a remarkable journey from poverty to becoming a tech entrepreneur. Her background and rise to prominence have resonated with many voters. She has been the target of verbal attacks by President López Obrador, which have only raised her profile and highlighted the influence of the president and his party in Mexican politics.
The Influence of López Obrador:
While López Obrador has insisted that he will not hold any influence once his term ends, some analysts believe his impact will endure regardless of the election outcome. If Sheinbaum wins, there may be changes to certain policies, but the core of López Obrador’s agenda is likely to remain intact.
On the other hand, if Gálvez emerges victorious, she could face obstacles in rolling back some of López Obrador’s legacies, such as austerity measures and the military’s expanded role.
Shared Progressive Values:
Both Sheinbaum and Gálvez, while not explicitly feminist, share socially progressive stances and hold engineering degrees. They are committed to maintaining popular antipoverty programs and support the decriminalization of abortion, a significant development given Mexico’s Supreme Court’s recent decision to decriminalize abortion nationwide.
Campaigning Challenges:
As the two female candidates compete, they will target weaknesses in each other’s campaigns. Sheinbaum’s loyalty to López Obrador and his policies has been a hallmark of her career, while Gálvez has emphasized her Indigenous heritage and roots as a tech entrepreneur.
The Changing Political Landscape:
The 2024 general election in Mexico will not only determine the presidency but also the composition of Congress. It has the potential to shift Mexico’s political landscape, possibly moving towards a dominant-party system akin to the country’s past experience with the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Morena’s recent victories in various states indicate a growing presence, raising questions about whether it will transform into a hegemonic party.
Conclusion: Mexico is on the brink of making history by electing its first female president in the 2024 election. With Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez as formidable contenders, the nation faces a critical decision that could reshape its political future. As both candidates campaign vigorously and tackle the country’s pressing issues, the eyes of the world are on Mexico as it takes a significant step toward greater gender equality and political change.
Also read:
PM Narendra Modi to Host G20 Leaders Individually at Pragati Maidan for a Weekend of Diplomacy
1 thought on “Historic Moment: Mexico’s First Female President to be Elected in 2024”