Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Saturday he would not congratulate a winner of the U.S. presidential election until legal challenges are concluded, in an apparent bid to avoid friction with Washington during the transition.
Democrat Joe Biden won the election on Saturday after a victory in the battleground state of Pennsylvania put him over the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes.
Mexico is the United States’ top trade partner, with over $600 billion of annual two-way commerce, and the bilateral relationship with its northern neighbor is by far the most important for Mexico.
“With regard to the U.S. election, we are going to wait until all the legal matters have been resolved,” Lopez Obrador said at a news conference.
“I can’t congratulate one candidate or the other. I want to wait until the electoral process is over.”
Republican President Donald Trump has filed a raft of lawsuits to challenge the results, but electoral officials in states across the country say there has been no evidence of significant fraud, and legal experts say Trump’s efforts are unlikely to succeed.
The Mexican president linked his caution to his own allegations of fraud in two presidential elections he contested, in 2006 and 2012, before winning on his third bid in 2018.
His reluctance to comment on the U.S. results stands in contrast to congratulations offered to Bolivia’s former President Evo Morales last year despite opposition claims of fraud in that re-election bid.
Mexican officials said the decision was borne of a desire to avoid provoking Trump while he remained in the White House.
“Bolivia doesn’t have a 3,000-km border with Mexico,” an official said of the apparent contradiction. “It’s important to have a couple of months of peace and good neighborly relations.”
In his remarks, Lopez Obrador described the decision as “politically prudent.”
He said he had a good relationship with both Trump and former Vice President Biden, whom he said he had known for a decade.
He has needed to toe a fine line with Trump, whose term is scheduled to end on Jan. 20. A Biden presidency could reset ties that have frayed since Trump made his first White House bid, tarring Mexican migrants as rapists and gun-runners and vowing to keep them out with a border wall.
Under Trump, Mexico has had to navigate abrupt demands to stem illegal migration or face trade tariffs.
However, by acceding to Trump’s migration dictates, Lopez Obrador has forged an uneasy relationship of some mutual convenience, in which Washington has mostly avoided criticizing his economic policies.
“President Trump has been very respectful with us,” he said. “And we are thankful that he has not meddled.”
Reporting by Anthony Esposito; Additional reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Jonathan Oatis
Trending News on PVDN
Puerto Vallarta News Brief with Felipe Alvarez for May 26, 2023 Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The Puerto Vallarta News Brief covers the top trending stories of the week on Vallarta Daily News and is hosted by Felipe Alvarez.
Recent Protests Disrupt 40% of Puerto Vallarta’s Economy Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - Tourism, a critical sector of Puerto Vallarta's economy, has been severely affected by protests, suffering both reputational damage and direct harm to visitors. Alejandro Torres Magaña, General Manager of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel and Motel Association, cited missed flights and hotel delays as significant issues.
Two More Puerto Vallarta Beaches Are Awarded Blue Flags Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - In the upcoming 2023-2024 season, Puerto Vallarta is set to host six beaches awarded with the Blue Flag accreditation, an esteemed international recognition for high environmental and quality standards. The Blue Flag committee has reconfirmed the status for four previously certified beaches while conferring this prestigious title to two new beaches…
American Tourist In Critical Condition in Puerto Vallarta After Wave Breaks His Neck Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - "Experiencing your sibling in critical care, confessing your love to him, anticipating the worst... it's a nightmare no one should have to endure," shared Adam Griffis. Adam's younger brother, Evan, is struggling for survival in a medical facility located in Puerto Vallarta. The 30-year-old experienced a freak accident while swimming last…
Where are the Risk Areas in the Event of an Eruption from the Popocatépetl Volcano Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - In recent days, an eruption from the Popocatépetl volcano spewed incandescent materials, resulting in ashfall across various regions of Mexico City, the State of Mexico, and Puebla. In light of these events, the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) has proactively implemented an operational plan, aimed at mitigating potential consequences of…
Mexico’s Vacation Rental Boom is in Full Swing and Puerto Vallarta Isn’t Left Out Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The vacation rental industry in Mexico is currently thriving, marking an unparalleled period of success. From January to March 2023, INEGI recorded an impressive influx of nearly 18.8 million international visitors. This figure represents an increase of 3.87 million visitors or 25.9% when compared to the corresponding period in 2022. During…
Tactical Groups Are Added to the Streets and Beaches of Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - As a component of the safety strategies initiated at the Citizen Security Police Station, members from the Tactical Operations Group (GOT) have been bolstering street patrols all over Puerto Vallarta. Following directives from Commissioner Rigoberto Flores Parra and Mayor Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez, these officers ensure a visible and protective presence…
Volcanic Activity in Popocatépetl Disrupts Air Travel to Puerto Vallarta The volcanic activity of Popocatépetl has disrupted a minimum of 12 flights from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Puerto Vallarta, as revealed by the Pacific Airport Group (GAP). The airport in the capital experienced closures that affected flight schedules, beginning Sunday, May 21st, until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22nd. GAP detailed that…
Inhabitants of Santiago Xalitzintla Believe Popocatépetl Volcano is Erupting Because They Didn’t Celebrate His Birthday This Year Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The volatile temperament of Popocatépetl volcano, characterized by explosive outbursts, fumaroles, ash falls, and powerful seismic activity, is attributed to a straightforward cause by the inhabitants of Santiago Xalitzintla, the community nearest to the massive crater of Puebla's giant. To these residents, the volcano isn't just a natural feature, it's a…
More Flights to Puerto Vallarta With High Demand, Plus New Route from LA Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The Director of the Public Trust for Tourism Promotion and Advertising, Luis Villaseñor Nolasco, has announced that Puerto Vallarta will expand its air travel links to both domestic and international locations. Additional flights to this popular beach destination are planned for the coming days. According to Villaseñor Nolasco, there has already…