Mexico is set to make history on June 2, 2024, as it prepares to elect its first female president. Two women, Claudia Sheinbaum and Xochitl Gálvez, are leading the presidential race with strong support from voters. Sheinbaum's connection to Mexico's popular current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has been a significant selling point for her campaign.
Security is a top concern for Mexican voters, with over 30,000 people being murdered in Mexico each year compared to around 18,500 in the United States in 2023. Both Sheinbaum and Gálvez have pledged to address this issue by strengthening security forces and implementing policies to reduce crime rates.
Sheinbaum has emphasized her empathy towards the Mexican people and has faced allegations of being cold or heartless during debates. However, she has remained unflappable in her responses, focusing on her opponent's corruption instead. Gálvez, on the other hand, has promised to stand up to US presidents if elected and not bow down without a fight.
Both candidates have taken strong stances on migration issues. Sheinbaum has declared that there will be 'no more submission in foreign policy,' especially over migration. Gálvez, meanwhile, has called for good bilateral cooperation with the US and pledged to pursue this if elected.
The upcoming election is significant not only for Mexico but also for the United States, as both countries have a close relationship and share many issues of mutual concern. The US closely watches Mexico's elections due to their commercial partnership and shared concerns over drug trafficking, organized crime, and migration flows.