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How Did Mexico Elect Its First Female President?

Mexico has achieved a historic milestone by electing its first female president.

ByMarisa Alcantar|
Mexicans Head To Polls For Presidential Election
Mexicans Head To Polls For Presidential Election | Hector Vivas/GettyImages

Mexico has made history by electing its first female president. Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, is on track to win the country’s largest election ever held.

According to CNN, preliminary results indicate that Sheinbaum secured between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Institute's Quick Count. Riding on the popularity of her political ally, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and their Morena party, Sheinbaum has achieved a groundbreaking victory.

Sheinbaum’s win is not only historic for being the first woman to lead Mexico but also as the country's first Jewish president. Though she rarely discusses her background, she has governed as a secular leftist. In her victory speech, Sheinbaum emphasized her commitment to all Mexicans, saying, “We will govern without distinction. Even if some disagree with our project, we must walk together in peace and harmony to build a fairer, more prosperous Mexico.”

This election marks a monumental moment for Mexico, a country that has led globally in gender equality in elected offices since its 2019 constitutional reforms. However, Mexico continues to face serious issues, including high rates of femicide and general violence.

Violence, a major issue during the election, will be a critical challenge for Sheinbaum. Mexico saw over 20 political killings since September, with at least 34 candidates murdered. Sheinbaum has pledged to improve security, drawing on her record as Mexico City mayor, where she focused on enhancing police work conditions and intelligence-gathering.

The final results await validation by the Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (TEPJF), which will review any challenges by September 6. If confirmed, Sheinbaum will take office on October 1 for a six-year term.

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