The race for Mexico's next presidential term is taking shape, with former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum representing the ruling party MORENA and enjoying a commanding lead over her main opposition rival, Xochitl Galvez.
11/24/2023.- The ruling party’s presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum meets today with Mayan, Tzotzil and Tzeltal indigenous people in the municipality of Tenejapa, state of Chiapas (Mexico). EFE/Carlos López
The Latin American Post Staff
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Leer en español: Claudia Sheinbaum mantiene un fuerte liderazgo en la carrera presidencial de México
Sheinbaum Maintains Strong Lead in Latest Poll
A recent opinion poll from November 17 to 22, surveying 1,000 Mexicans, revealed that Sheinbaum maintains a substantial 48% support, while Galvez trails at 24%.
In the highly anticipated June 2, 2024 election, Sheinbaum's significant lead has solidified her position as the frontrunner in the race. Galvez, backed by a three-way alliance of parties spanning the center-left to the center-right, faces an uphill battle in gaining momentum and positive public recognition.
Samuel Garcia, vying for the candidacy of another center-left party, Citizens Movement (MC), secured 8% support in the same poll. Notably, one in five respondents remained undecided or expressed no preference for any candidate, indicating a potentially influential segment of the electorate yet to be swayed.
This latest poll reflects a minor narrowing of the race compared to a survey published in early October, where Sheinbaum held 50% support while Galvez lagged at 20%. However, the October poll featured a fourth right-wing candidate absent from the current polling.
Sheinbaum's Political Ascendancy and Lopez Obrador's Support
Sheinbaum's political ascent has been significantly bolstered by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's unwavering support, who maintains robust approval ratings. Under Mexican law, presidents are limited to a single six-year term, making the upcoming election a pivotal moment for the nation's political landscape.
Jorge Buendia, head of Buendia & Marquez, the polling firm responsible for the latest survey, noted that Sheinbaum leads in image recognition and boasts a favorable public opinion. Conversely, Galvez faces the formidable task of enhancing her public profile and garnering good recognition.
Buendia underscored the significance of the uninformed population in shaping the outcome of the presidential race, as this segment holds the potential to sway the campaign dynamics significantly.
Consulta Mitofsky Analysis Reveals Sheinbaum's Pronounced Lead
Furthermore, an analysis conducted by research firm Consulta Mitofsky, which excluded undecided voters and those not aligned with any candidate, revealed a more pronounced lead for Sheinbaum. In this scenario, Sheinbaum secured 62.7% of practical support, Galvez lagged at 26.9%, and Garcia garnered 9.3%.
Also read: Mexico's Women in Crisis Behind Bars: Rising Suicides Spotlight Systemic Fail
As the election season unfolds, the candidates will intensify their efforts to win over the hearts and minds of the Mexican electorate. With Sheinbaum's strong backing and a well-defined campaign strategy, she remains the candidate to beat this crucial electoral contest.
