In a landmark election, early exit polls signal Claudia Sheinbaum’s imminent victory as Mexico’s first female president. She’s poised to make history as Mexico’s first Jewish President and the first female president in North America!
An estimated 100 million citizens exercised their right to vote in this momentous event. Official results are anticipated to be released post-midnight Eastern Time. While Mexican media forecasts a Sheinbaum triumph, her opponent Xóchitl Gálvez has yet to concede, asserting her own victory and urging for patience as the vote tally progresses.
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Supporters Gather as Polls Close
As polling stations concluded operations, supporters of Sheinbaum and López Obrador’s party congregated in Mexico City’s Zócalo. Street vendors seized the opportunity, marketing Sheinbaum-themed dolls, though those featuring the populist president seemed to garner more attention.
Among the crowd were Fernando Fernández, a 28-year-old chef, and Itxel Robledo, 28, an administrator, who opted to purchase socks bearing López Obrador’s likeness while awaiting election outcomes.
Fernández voiced his support for Sheinbaum, emphasizing his aspirations for her to address issues such as gasoline prices, crime, and drug trafficking, which he feels López Obrador couldn’t fully tackle despite his authority.
Robledo echoed similar sentiments, praising López Obrador’s efforts against corruption but expressing a desire for Sheinbaum to incorporate more professionals into her administration. She hopes Sheinbaum’s potential victory would usher in an era free from López Obrador’s influence.
However, reports from both Mexico and the United States highlight frustrations among voters who were unable to cast their ballots, some after enduring lengthy waits.
Laura Rodríguez Presa, a reporter with the Chicago Tribune, shared accounts of Mexican nationals unable to vote despite waiting for hours outside the Mexican Consulate. Similar incidents were reported in California, where voters voiced concerns over potential disenfranchisement, prompting heated exchanges at polling stations.
In Mexico City, footage captured protesters chanting “We want to vote!” as some voters began to depart out of frustration, underscoring the significance of ensuring equitable access to the democratic process.
