Mexico is on the brink of electing its first woman president, with Claudia Sheinbaum leading in polls for the upcoming June 2 vote. Sheinbaum, a candidate for the ruling Morena party, is a former mayor of Mexico City with a background in energy engineering and leftist politics. Her main opponent, Xóchitl Gálvez, a businesswoman and senator, is backed by a coalition of opposition parties.
One key issue in this election is how it could impact migration. Mexico plays a crucial role in managing the flow of migrants to the United States, with recent agreements to deploy the National Guard and accept the return of non-Mexican migrants. The next president will have to decide whether to continue cooperating with the U.S. on migration issues.
Another critical issue is the country's approach to drug cartels. The current president, López Obrador, has focused on social programs to combat cartel recruitment, but cooperation with U.S. anti-drug efforts has been limited. The next president could either continue this approach or opt for closer collaboration with the U.S.
Economically, Mexico's election could impact its close ties with the United States. The two countries have a significant trade relationship, with Mexico now being the U.S.'s largest trading partner. The Mexican economy also relies heavily on remittances from citizens living abroad, particularly in the U.S.
The election also raises questions about the rise of populism in Latin America. A victory for Morena could solidify a populist trend in the region, following recent wins by populist leaders in El Salvador and Argentina. The outcome of the election may shape the future of Mexican politics for years to come.
Finally, concerns have been raised about the state of democracy in Mexico. López Obrador's centralization of power and efforts to weaken checks and balances have sparked fears about the future of democratic institutions in the country. The incoming president will inherit a range of challenges and obligations, with the legacy of López Obrador's administration looming large.
As Mexico prepares for this historic election, the country stands at a crossroads with far-reaching implications for its future direction.
