A quick-count sampling of votes in Mexico’s State of Mexico suggests a potential victory for the candidate from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s governing Morena party. If confirmed, this would mark the end of nearly a century of uninterrupted rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
Preliminary results indicate that Delfina Gómez of the Morena party is likely to secure between 52.1% and 54.2% of the ballots. While Alejandra del Moral, representing the opposition coalition, is projected to receive 43% to 45.2% of the votes, according to the National Electoral Institute. These forecasts are based on representative sampling with a 95% certainty level. But the final outcome will be determined once all ballots are counted. The voter turnout ranged between 48.7% and 50.2% of eligible state voters.
Shortly after the preliminary forecast was announced, Alejandra del Moral graciously conceded the election. Emphasizing her respect for democracy and the electoral authorities. She acknowledged that in a democratic process, one must know how to accept defeat.
Gómez Makes History as the State’s First Female Governor
Delfina Gómez, a schoolteacher and second-time candidate for the position, expressed gratitude for del Moral’s prompt concession. In a tweet, she emphasized the importance of respecting democracy. As a fundamental requirement for the betterment of the State of Mexico and its citizens. Gómez is set to become the state’s first female governor.
The State of Mexico, encompassing both urban sprawl and rural areas, has long been a stronghold of the PRI. However, the electorate appeared ready for change and inclined to favour López Obrador’s Morena party over the PRI. This closely watched race is seen as a precursor to the 2024 presidential election.
Alejandra del Moral, the candidate representing the PRI, led a peculiar coalition with the conservative National Action Party and the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution. Their shared objective was to prevent López Obrador’s party from gaining control of Mexico’s largest state electoral prize. However, their efforts fell short as voters sought change.
PRI’s National Relevance at Stake
The State of Mexico grapples with issues such as inequality, violence, and corruption. The outcome of this election holds significance not only at the state level but also for national politics, shaping the landscape for the upcoming presidential election.
Voters expressed various concerns, including the desire for change, improved attention to citizens’ needs, and a focus on issues like security and healthcare. Some voiced support for the governing PRI, highlighting pensions for seniors. While others saw this election as an opportunity to signal disagreement with López Obrador’s party.
While results from the sparsely populated northern border state of Coahuila indicate a potential victory for the PRI. The loss of the State of Mexico could mark the end of the party’s national political relevance. This would signify a remarkable turnaround for a party that held uninterrupted power in Mexico for seven decades.
In summary, the preliminary results in the State of Mexico signal a potential shift in political power, with López Obrador’s Morena party poised to end