What to watch as Mexicans go to the polls today.
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Mexican opposition presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez waves a Mexican flag during a campaign rally in Ciudad Guzman, Mexico, on May 27.

Mexican opposition presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez waves a Mexican flag during a campaign rally in Ciudad Guzman, Mexico, on May 27. Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images

Today, Mexicans decide who will replace President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in the country’s first general elections since 2018. The vote promises to be historic no matter who wins: The top two contenders for the presidency, Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez, are women, and seats in the country’s legislature must be filled according to gender parity provisions added to the Mexican Constitution in 2019.

Although term limits prevent him from running for reelection, López Obrador’s legacy will loom large over either a Sheinbaum or Gálvez presidency. The popular incumbent has expanded anti-poverty efforts but eroded democratic norms and shunned global engagement. His economic and energy policies are unpopular with investors, and his relationship with the United States is testy.

This edition of Flash Points examines the stakes of Mexico’s landmark election and the myriad issues that the victor will face. —Allison Meakem

 
1

Mexico’s Historic Elections, Explained

The country is all but guaranteed its first woman president.

By Christina Lu
 
2

The Woman Inheriting AMLO’s Revolution

If she wins Mexico’s presidency, Claudia Sheinbaum’s most daunting political challenge will be persona, not policy.

By Ana Sofía Rodríguez Everaert

 
3

Why Mexico’s Election Matters 

A vote for continuity could see further erosion of democratic institutions—with consequences for the rest of the world.

By Ravi Agrawal

 
4

Mexico and the United States Need to Talk About China Now 

Near-simultaneous presidential elections risk putting bilateral relations on a collision course.

By Connor Pfeiffer, Ryan C. Berg

 
5

Mexico’s Next Leader Has an Energy Problem 

The country cannot expand and modernize its infrastructure under the primacy of two state companies.

By Isidro Morales

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 Mexico's Elections

Polls suggest that Claudia Sheinbaum will win Mexico's upcoming presidential election. Arturo Sarukhán will join FP Live on May 30 to discuss her potential administration.

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