Mexico City: Mexico’s political landscape is poised to undergo a historic shift as the country moves closer to electing its first female president in next year’s upcoming elections.
The former mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has emerged as the dominant candidate for the ruling Morena party, a decision shaped by extensive polling of party members.
The choice of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as Morena’s presidential candidate in the June election is a significant step forward for gender equality in Mexican politics. Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a second term, creating a prime opportunity for a new leader to emerge.
According to Morena national council president Alfonso Durazo, Sheinbaum secured a substantial lead over former Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard in five separate party surveys. This impressive margin of victory solidified her candidacy and is expected to give her a considerable advantage in the upcoming election.
Sheinbaum, a close ally of the popular López Obrador, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I’m excited and feel very proud, very honored” to be part of this movement since its inception. Her strong ties to López Obrador will likely bolster her campaign as she carries forward his policies and initiatives.
In response to the opposition, a broad coalition has also selected a female candidate, Xóchitl Gálvez, signaling a growing trend towards greater gender representation in Mexican politics.
Claudia Sheinbaum, aged 61, has consistently outperformed Ebrard in recent polls. Both candidates resigned from their respective positions to campaign full-time, highlighting the importance of this election.
Alfonso Durazo emphasized the definitive nature of the election outcome and called on party members to unite behind Sheinbaum’s candidacy. Other party candidates at the announcement expressed their support for Sheinbaum, with the notable absence of Marcelo Ebrard.
Ebrard, before the announcement, raised concerns about irregularities in the election process and likened his party to the Institutional Revolutionary Party that ruled Mexico for many years. He indicated that he would decide on his course of action in the coming days.
Sheinbaum’s background as an environmental scientist places her firmly on the left side of the ideological spectrum. She shares López Obrador’s criticism of past neoliberal economic policies, attributing them to Mexico’s inequality and high levels of violence.
Although neither Sheinbaum nor Ebrard possess López Obrador’s charisma and rapport with the party’s base, Sheinbaum capitalized on her position as the capital’s mayor. She organized free concerts in the central square and promoted López Obrador’s social programs, such as senior pensions and student scholarships.
Thanks to López Obrador’s popularity, Morena has expanded its influence to 22 of Mexico’s 32 states, further strengthening Sheinbaum’s position as the frontrunner in the June 2 election.
Sheinbaum, who holds a PhD in engineering and served on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has pledged to prioritize sustainability in Mexico. This commitment may put her at odds with López Obrador, who has supported the oil industry and state-owned energy producers.
However, Sheinbaum has been careful not to openly criticize these policies, stating, “I believe in science” and advocating for renewable energy sources.
One area where Sheinbaum demonstrated independence was her response to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. While the president downplayed the risks, Sheinbaum took proactive measures, including wearing a protective face mask, closing bars and nightclubs, and advocating for increased testing.
Despite facing criticism for handling the capital’s subway system, which experienced a tragic collapse in May 2021, Sheinbaum’s popularity and political acumen have positioned her as a formidable presidential candidate.
In a stirring conclusion to her announcement, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of unity within the party, sending a clear message to Marcelo Ebrard: “Unity is fundamental, and the doors are always open; they are never going to close.”
