PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – In a monumental political shift, former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has been selected as the candidate for the ruling party in the upcoming June 2024 elections. This marks the first time in Mexico’s history that two major female candidates from the main political movements will go head to head for the country’s highest office.
Sheinbaum’s selection by the Morena party, as announced on Wednesday night, saw her triumph over five male rivals. The move showcases the nation’s evolving political landscape, as Sheinbaum and opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez assert that Mexico is prepared to have a female leader. Yet, the journey to the presidency promises to be challenging.
The incumbent President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a member of the Morena party, has been a significant supporter of Sheinbaum, mentoring her throughout her political career. His tenure has witnessed women occupying significant roles within his cabinet despite facing accusations of male chauvinism.
However, Mexico’s deeply entrenched “machismo” or male chauvinism, manifesting not only in alarming femicide rates but also in daily subtle acts, raises concerns about the forthcoming electoral battle.
Gloria Alcocer Olmos, director of the electoral magazine “Voice and Vote,” highlights the prevailing “macho vote” in the nation. Olmos highlights the low turnout during June’s gubernatorial elections in the State of Mexico, where two female candidates competed. The same pattern was seen in the 2021 Aguascalientes state election.
Olmos questions, “What does that tell us? That the people are voting for women? The reality is that no, and the saddest thing is that women themselves are not voting for women.”
With stakes high in the June 2 presidential election, low turnout is expected to change. Speculations are rife that the Citizen Movement party could nominate a male contender, potentially drawing the “macho vote.”
Additionally, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, Sheinbaum’s main rival within Morena, has raised concerns over the legitimacy of the internal party selection, alleging irregularities.
However, Sheinbaum holds a significant advantage with Morena’s control over 22 of Mexico’s 32 states and López Obrador’s continuing popularity. On the other hand, Gálvez’s rise from relative obscurity to become the consensus candidate of a seemingly directionless opposition signifies her potential as a formidable opponent.
Aurora Pedroche, a staunch Sheinbaum supporter, raises a critical question on the military’s acceptance of a female Commander in Chief, given its amplified role during López Obrador’s rule.
The forthcoming election holds global significance amidst a changing political climate. Antonio Sola, a political strategist, believes Gálvez’s outsider appeal might be her strength, with worldwide trends favoring candidates “kicking the system.”
Sheinbaum continues López Obrador’s social agenda, contrasting Gálvez’s charisma and ability to connect with the masses. As both women prepare for the political showdown, Mexico stands on the brink of an unprecedented era.
