Mexico's Ruling Party Declares Sheinbaum Winner of Presidential Vote

MEXICO CITY, June 2, 2024 — In a historic election marked by unprecedented voter turnout and significant violence, Claudia Sheinbaum, the candidate from the ruling National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), has been declared the winner of Mexico's presidential election. This victory positions Sheinbaum to become the first woman to hold the highest office in the country, a milestone in Mexico's political history.

The announcement came shortly after polls closed on Sunday evening, with media outlets and the ruling party quickly declaring Sheinbaum the victor. Mario Delgado, the head of MORENA, addressed supporters in Mexico City, stating that Sheinbaum had won by a "very large" margin. Although specific figures were not immediately provided, the declaration was based on exit polls and preliminary results that showed Sheinbaum leading convincingly over her main competitor, Xóchitl Gálvez.

Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City and a close ally of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, expressed her gratitude and optimism in a brief statement to the press. "Today is a historic day for Mexico," she said. "I am honored by the trust the Mexican people have placed in me, and I am committed to working tirelessly to address the challenges our country faces."

The election, which saw nearly 100 million Mexicans eligible to vote, was the largest in the nation's history. It included not only the presidential race but also elections for eight governorships, both chambers of Congress, and thousands of local positions. Despite the celebratory atmosphere among Sheinbaum's supporters, the election was marred by violence, with 38 candidates killed during the campaign period, making it the most violent election in modern Mexican history.

On election day, two people were killed at polling stations in the state of Puebla, highlighting the ongoing threat of organized crime and its impact on the democratic process. The violence has raised concerns about the influence of drug cartels and the stability of Mexico's political landscape.

Sheinbaum's victory is seen as a continuation of López Obrador's leftist policies, although she has indicated some departures from his approach, particularly in areas such as climate change and job creation. While López Obrador focused on bolstering Mexico's petroleum industry, Sheinbaum has advocated for a transition to renewable energy sources and greater environmental sustainability.

Her scientific background and data-driven approach to governance have been central to her political identity. As a trained physicist and environmental engineer, Sheinbaum has emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making. This was evident during her tenure as mayor of Mexico City, where she implemented significant public transportation and environmental reforms, including the expansion of the Metrobús system and the introduction of rainwater collection initiatives.

The election results have been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of Sheinbaum celebrated the historic nature of her victory and the potential for continued progressive reforms. "It seems like a dream to me. I never imagined that one day I would vote for a woman," said Edelmira Montiel, an 87-year-old voter in Tlaxcala. "Before we couldn't even vote, and when you could, it was to vote for the person your husband told you to vote for. Thank God that has changed and I get to live it."

Opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez, who represents a coalition of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the right-wing National Action Party (PAN), and the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), acknowledged the challenges she faced in the race. "God is with me," Gálvez said as she cast her ballot, adding that she expected a difficult day.

The international community has also been closely watching the election, given Mexico's significant role in regional politics and its relationship with the United States. The next president will inherit complex issues, including the ongoing battle against drug cartels, economic challenges, and the need for social reforms.

As Sheinbaum prepares to take office on October 1, 2024, she faces the daunting task of addressing these issues while fulfilling the expectations of a nation eager for change. Her victory marks a significant step forward for gender equality in Mexico, but it also underscores the deep-rooted challenges that remain. The coming months will be crucial in determining how Sheinbaum navigates these challenges and sets the course for Mexico's future.