In a startling turn of events, Claudia Sheinbaum finds herself at the forefront of a historic election in Mexico, poised to become the country’s first female president. Sheinbaum’s journey to this moment was marked by a poignant encounter with hooded men in Chiapas, Mexico’s poorest state, where they pleaded for protection from rampant gang violence. This encounter, captured on film, underscored the deep-seated issues facing the country, where around 10 women are tragically murdered every day.
Sheinbaum’s rise to prominence has been buoyed by her alliance with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and their leftist Morena party, setting her apart from her rival, former senator Xochitl Gálvez. However, the optimism surrounding this historic election has been overshadowed by a wave of violence that has claimed the lives of at least 34 political candidates since June 2023, as criminal groups seek to exert influence over the political landscape.
The next president faces a daunting task: restoring faith in Mexico’s justice system, where a staggering 95% of all crimes go unsolved. This challenge is further compounded by Mexico’s alarming rates of gender-based violence, with femicide rates reaching crisis levels. Despite progress in gender equality in elected office, Mexico remains a perilous place for women.
Both Sheinbaum and Gálvez have offered proposals to address these issues, but their approaches have been criticized for lacking innovation. The militarized strategy adopted over the past two decades has failed to curb violence, prompting calls for a new approach focused on strengthening civilian institutions and addressing root causes of crime.
López Obrador’s promise of peace through “hugs, not bullets” has fallen short, with his administration failing to demilitarize public security as promised. The creation of the National Guard, initially intended to be under civilian command, has further militarized the country’s approach to crime.
As Mexico stands on the brink of a historic election, the challenges facing the next president are clear. Restoring faith in Mexico’s institutions, tackling gender-based violence, and implementing effective crime prevention strategies will be key priorities for the incoming administration. The eyes of the nation are now fixed on Claudia Sheinbaum and Xochitl Gálvez, as Mexico stands at a crossroads in its history.
(Source: NYT | AP | Al Jazeera)
