In a groundbreaking election, Claudia Sheinbaum is set to make history as Mexico’s first female president, according to exit polls.
The 61-year-old frontrunner, a former mayor of Mexico City, is projected to have clinched 56% of the vote, defeating her main rival, businesswoman Xóchitl Gálvez.
While Sheinbaum’s Morena party has already declared victory, Gálvez has urged her supporters to await the official results, expected to be announced on Monday. The election also saw voters selecting members of Mexico’s Congress, governors in eight states, and the head of Mexico City’s government amidst reports of violent attacks.
Sheinbaum, a scientist who previously served as Mexico City’s mayor from 2018-23, enjoys the support of the outgoing president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. With López Obrador facing term limits under Mexico’s constitution, he has thrown his weight behind Sheinbaum, highlighting her expected triumph as a significant moment in the nation’s history.
While Sheinbaum’s affiliation with López Obrador has expanded her voter base, questions have arisen about her independence from the current leader. She has emphasized her autonomy while promising to build upon López Obrador’s accomplishments, particularly in poverty reduction and social programs.
On the opposing side, Gálvez, representing a diverse coalition of parties, has criticized López Obrador’s administration for weakening democratic institutions. She has pledged to reinforce these institutions, enhance security measures, and tackle criminal organizations responsible for escalating violence in Mexico.
As polls closed on Sunday, the winning candidate is scheduled to assume office at the end of September. The election outcome will mark a significant milestone for Mexico, with Sheinbaum poised to lead the country as its first female president.
