In a historic election, Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, secured victory on Sunday to become the first woman elected president of Mexico. Preliminary results from the Mexican electoral office revealed that Sheinbaum garnered nearly 58 percent of the vote, winning in a landslide victory.

Furthermore, Sheinbaum's election marks another significant milestone as she becomes the first Jewish person to lead one of the world’s largest predominantly Catholic countries. This adds to the unprecedented nature of her presidency, reflecting a diverse and inclusive leadership in Mexico's political landscape.

After expressing gratitude to voters for their support, Claudia Sheinbaum underscored the significance of her victory, noting it as a historic moment in Mexico's 200-year history. Addressing her supporters, she highlighted the achievement of becoming the first female president of Mexico, emphasising the strides made towards a plural, diverse, and democratic nation.

Sheinbaum's political party, Morena, is anticipated to secure a legislative majority, as projected by the electoral agency. This majority would enable her to pass constitutional amendments that have been elusive during the tenure of current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a close ally of Sheinbaum.

The election marked a watershed moment in Latin America's second-largest economy, with approximately 130 million residents. Beyond the presidency, over 20,000 political positions were up for grabs, spanning all seats in the lower house and the senate, as well as regional and municipal offices.

To ensure a smooth voting process, thousands of soldiers were deployed across the country. However, instances of violence marred the election day, including the tragic death of a town council candidate in a shooting incident hours before polls opened. Additionally, reports emerged of a man being kidnapped while voting at a polling station in another town.

Image source: AP News