History made: Claudia Sheinbaum elected Mexico’s first female president

In a landslide victory that marked a significant double milestone, Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, was elected as Mexico’s president on Sunday. Sheinbaum, 61, became the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold the nation’s highest office, as reported by The New York Times.

Record-Breaking Election

The election, which authorities described as the largest in Mexico’s history, saw a record number of voters and the most seats contested.

This landmark vote featured two women competing for the presidency of one of the hemisphere’s largest nations, setting a Jewish leader at the helm of one of the world’s most predominantly Catholic countries.

Campaign and Legacy

Sheinbaum, a leftist, campaigned on a promise to continue the legacy of her mentor, Mexico’s current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a pledge that resonated deeply with their party’s base but alarmed some critics.

Many viewed the election as a referendum on López Obrador’s leadership, and Sheinbaum’s triumph signified a robust endorsement of his policies and his party, reports The New York Times.

López Obrador’s Influence

Under López Obrador’s leadership, millions of Mexicans were lifted out of poverty, and the minimum wage was doubled. However, his tenure has been polarising, marked by criticism over rampant cartel violence, a weakened health system, and efforts seen as undermining democratic institutions.

Despite these issues, López Obrador remains highly popular, which greatly benefited Sheinbaum in her campaign.

Electoral Results

Preliminary results showed Sheinbaum securing at least 58 per cent of the vote, putting her 29 points ahead of her closest rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, an entrepreneur and former senator representing a coalition of opposition parties.

Gálvez had hoped to harness an anti-system vote against López Obrador but struggled to dissociate herself from parties viewed by many as corrupt and ineffective.

Public Sentiment and Political Analysis

Political analyst Carlos Bravo Regidor noted that Gálvez failed to embody change, as the parties supporting her were seen as part of the establishment.

“Most Mexicans want a continuity of the change brought by López Obrador,” he explained.

Support for Sheinbaum

Voters appeared to endorse Sheinbaum as the candidate to institutionalise the changes initiated by López Obrador.

Evelyn Román, a 21-year-old chemical engineering student in Mexico City, expressed her support, stating, “We need to bring about more change to the country. We did notice the progress in these six years.”

Sheinbaum’s Credentials and Leadership Style

Sheinbaum’s extensive experience includes a Ph.D. in energy engineering and participation in a United Nations climate panel awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. As mayor of Mexico City, one of the hemisphere’s largest cities, she was known for her demanding leadership style and reserved demeanor.

She rose through political ranks by closely aligning with López Obrador and supporting many of his contentious policies, including constitutional changes that critics argue could undermine democratic checks and balances.

Perceptions of Independence

Despite perceptions that she might be overly influenced by her mentor, Sheinbaum has maintained her individuality.

She rebuffed claims that she lacks independence, asserting, “There’s this idea… that I don’t have a personality, that President Andrés Manuel López Obrador tells me what to do. That’s not true.”

Upcoming Challenges

As Sheinbaum prepares to take office in October, she faces significant challenges.

López Obrador’s popularity stemmed from his charisma, a trait Sheinbaum is perceived to lack.

Ongoing cartel violence and high homicide rates remain critical issues, with voters prioritising security concerns. Sheinbaum has pledged to focus on social causes of violence while also addressing impunity and building up the national guard.

Economic Hurdles

Economic challenges also loom large. Mexico, now the largest trading partner of the United States, faces a federal deficit of around 6 per cent and a heavily indebted national oil company, Pemex. Policy analyst Mariana Campos highlighted the fiscal risks, noting the difficulty of funding Sheinbaum’s campaign promises given the strained public finances.

Military Involvement

Additionally, Sheinbaum must navigate the broad responsibilities granted to the armed forces under López Obrador, including managing ports, airports, and public enterprises. While denying militarisation, she has suggested she might re-evaluate the military’s role in public affairs.

Relations with the United States

Sheinbaum’s presidency will also be influenced by the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

A second term for President Biden would ensure continuity, while a return of Donald Trump could introduce unpredictability, especially regarding immigration policies and tariffs.

Voter Confidence

Despite these challenges, many voters have faith in Sheinbaum’s ability to lead.

Daniela Mendoza, a psychologist from Villahermosa, praised López Obrador’s social welfare programs and expressed confidence in Sheinbaum’s leadership, stating, “Claudia follows that line, perhaps with better ideas. And having the first woman president in the country is an accomplishment.”