“The Race is On: Mexico’s Top Women Candidates for President

A historic presidential election is underway in Mexico, and the nation could be on the brink of electing its first female head of state. While the country’s leading political parties have fielded female candidates in the past, this year marks the first time all three major parties have put female contenders on the ballot. The election is being held on July 1st, and the three major contenders are: Margarita Zavala from the conservative National Action Party (PAN), Josefina Vázquez Mota from the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and Andrés Manuel López Obrador from the left-wing National Regeneration Movement (MORENA). All three have the potential to make history if elected. Margarita Zavala is the former first lady of Mexico, and is the first presidential candidate from PAN in 20 years. Her platform focuses on fighting government corruption and providing economic opportunity. Zavala recently made waves when she made a powerful statement regarding gender equality, saying that “we need to return to the basis of our culture where men and women have the same opportunities to live in dignity and to be participants in the decisions that shape our future”. Josefina Vázquez Mota is the current favorite among the female contenders, though her party, PRI, is currently on its weakest footing since the Revolution. She is a veteran politician and is well-known as a trailblazer in her conservative party, and has always been a strong advocate for women’s issues including equal pay, access to health services, and education reforms. Vázquez Mota recently said “our challenges are not about being a man or a woman–they are about finding common ground to give hope and create opportunities for all Mexicans”. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the third contender, is often seen as the most progressive candidate in the race. His platform focuses on populist reforms, including universal healthcare and increased access to education. He has also voiced his support for gender equality, and his party MORENA has pledged to support policies that protect and empower women. He was the only candidate to stand up for women’s rights when a controversial abortion bill was recently passed in Mexico, and his vocal stance has resonated with the electorate. Whichever candidate ultimately wins the election, Mexico is taking the unprecedented step of having women running the show. It is inspiring to see such powerful female politicians leading the charge for progress in a country that has traditionally had a male-dominated political system. The election of a female president will surely mark a historic moment in Mexican history, and the entire nation will be watching to see who will become Mexico’s first female leader.