Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) recently announced his support for Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, as his successor. The ruling party Morena picked her as their candidate for the 2024 elections, following a democratic process that involved a national poll. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the significance of this announcement and what it means for the future of Mexican politics.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s selection as the next presidential candidate for Morena is historic in many ways. Not only is it noteworthy because she is the first woman to be chosen as a presidential candidate for a major political party in Mexico, but it also reflects an important shift towards diversity in Mexican politics. During her tenure as the mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum made significant strides towards sustainability, transportation, and social justice, which earned her praise from both national and international circles.
Moreover, her endorsement by AMLO, who is immensely popular among Mexicans, ensures that she will receive a significant boost in support in the upcoming elections. President AMLO’s support of Sheinbaum came at a time when rumors were circulating that he may attempt to extend his term in office. The endorsement puts to rest any speculation about AMLO seeking a third term and instead cements his desire to stick to his original plan of supporting a candidate from his party.
The results of the national poll that led to Sheinbaum’s selection were also significant. The poll was open to all party members, and the results were based on the preferences of more than 3 million voters. This level of participation is unprecedented in Mexican politics and underlines the growing importance of citizen participation in decision-making processes.
Marcelo Ebrard, the former chancellor, was in second place with an average of 25.78 percent. The former Secretary of Interior, Adán Augusto López, followed with 11.18 percent, and Gerardo Fernández Noroña from PT had 10.62 percent. Manuel Velasco from the Green Ecologist party had 7.16 percent, and the senator Ricardo Monreal had 5.86 percent.
The endorsement of Claudia Sheinbaum by AMLO reflects a significant shift in Mexican politics towards diversity, sustainability, and social justice. Sheinbaum’s proven track record as the mayor of Mexico City makes her a strong candidate for the upcoming presidential elections. Her selection also underscores the growing importance of citizen participation in decision-making processes. As Mexico moves towards the future, we can only hope that this trend of inclusiveness and democracy continues to thrive, bringing positive change to the nation and its people.
