Claudia Sheinbaum Makes History as Mexico’s First Woman President
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By The Smartencyclopedia Staff Writer with Agencies

Mexico City, June 3, 2024 — Claudia Sheinbaum has made history by becoming Mexico’s first woman president, winning in a landslide victory on Sunday. This milestone comes at a crucial time for a country grappling with rampant criminal and gender-based violence.

Supporters celebrated Sheinbaum’s victory with flag-waving, singing, and dancing to mariachi music. The ruling party candidate’s triumph is especially poignant in a nation where approximately ten women or girls are murdered every day.

“I want to thank the millions of Mexican women and men who decided to vote for us on this historic day,” Sheinbaum told the jubilant crowd.

The 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City and scientist by training received around 58-60 percent of the votes, according to preliminary results from the National Electoral Institute. Voter turnout was estimated at 60 percent. Sheinbaum’s main opposition rival, Xochitl Galvez, conceded defeat. Galvez trailed by more than 30 percentage points, while centrist candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez lagged by about 50 points.

Maria de los Angeles Gordillo, a 37-year-old member of the Tojolabal Indigenous community, was moved to tears by Sheinbaum’s speech. “I’m here to celebrate this historic moment for our country and especially for women who carry these inequalities on their skin,” she said.

Despite sporadic violence in cartel-terrorized areas, voters flocked to polling stations across the nation. Thousands of troops were deployed to ensure voter safety during an especially bloody electoral season, which saw over two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered.

“Our society is violent, sexist, misogynistic, and Dr. Sheinbaum as president will be able to help change not only the laws but society,” said 48-year-old Lol-Kin Castaneda, who waited late into the night to hear Sheinbaum speak. “Mexico can’t stand any more violence.”

A Transformative Moment

Many women voters cheered Sheinbaum’s historic win and the potential transformation it represents. “A female president will be a transformation for this country, and we hope that she does more for women,” said Clemencia Hernandez, a 55-year-old cleaner in Mexico City. Daniela Perez, 30, called the election of a woman president “something historic,” even though she felt neither of the two main candidates was “totally feminist.”

Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people. Sheinbaum’s popularity owes much to outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a fellow leftist and mentor. Lopez Obrador, who boasts an approval rating of over 60 percent, congratulated his ally with “all my affection and respect.”

In another victory for the ruling party, Clara Brugada was elected mayor of Mexico City, one of the country’s most significant political roles, according to preliminary results.

Challenges Ahead

Sheinbaum has pledged to continue the outgoing president’s controversial “hugs not bullets” strategy, focusing on tackling crime at its roots. Her opponent, Galvez, had promised a tougher approach, declaring “hugs for criminals are over.”

The election season was marred by violence. Hours before polls opened, a local candidate was murdered in a violent western state, adding to the 25 political hopefuls killed this season. In Puebla, two people died after polling stations were attacked, and voting was suspended in two municipalities in Chiapas due to violence.

Sheinbaum’s administration will need to navigate complex relations with the United States, particularly concerning cross-border drug smuggling and migration. Besides choosing a new president, Mexicans voted for members of Congress, several state governors, and numerous local officials—totaling more than 20,000 positions.

As Sheinbaum steps into her new role, she carries the hopes of a nation yearning for change and the end of pervasive violence. Her historic victory marks a new chapter for Mexico, especially for its women, who look to her leadership for a safer and more equitable future.

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