Claudia Sheinbaum Elected Mexico's First Female President in Historic Landslide Victory

Sheinbaum, the ruling party candidate and former mayor of Mexico City, secured approximately 58-60 percent of the vote, as announced by the National Electoral Institute's quick count. Her victory margin was over 30 percentage points ahead of her main rival, Xochitl Galvez, and about 50 points ahead of centrist candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez.

Supporters celebrated with flag-waving and mariachi music in Mexico City's main square. The 61-year-old scientist and leftist leader did not vote for herself but instead honored 93-year-old veteran leftist Ifigenia Martinez, highlighting the significance of the election. "Long live democracy!" Sheinbaum declared.

The election, marred by violence in cartel-dominated areas, saw thousands of troops deployed to ensure voter safety. Despite these challenges, voter turnout was strong across the nation. Galvez, who competed against what she described as "authoritarianism and power," urged vigilance in monitoring the vote count.

Mexican women voters were particularly inspired by the prospect of Sheinbaum breaking the highest political glass ceiling. Clemencia Hernandez, a cleaner from Mexico City, expressed hope that Sheinbaum's presidency would bring transformative change for women.

Sheinbaum's popularity is partly attributed to outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who enjoys high approval ratings but is constitutionally limited to one term. Supporters like Reina Balbuena praised the ruling Morena party's social policies benefiting seniors and children.

The election was not without bloodshed; at least 25 aspiring politicians were murdered during the campaign, and polling station attacks occurred in states like Puebla and Chiapas. Despite this, Sheinbaum remains committed to Lopez Obrador's "hugs not bullets" approach to crime, in contrast to Galvez's tougher stance.

As president, Sheinbaum will navigate complex issues such as cartel violence, U.S. relations, drug smuggling, and migration. The election also included votes for Congress members, state governors, and over 20,000 local officials.