Thousands March for Democracy in Mexico Ahead of June Elections
In a powerful display of unity and determination, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Mexico and other cities worldwide on Sunday, demanding free and fair elections in the country. The “march for democracy” was organized by opposition parties and aimed to challenge the ruling party ahead of the upcoming June 2 elections.
The demonstrations coincided with the official registration of presidential front-runner Claudia Sheinbaum as a candidate for the ruling party Morena. Sheinbaum, who is widely regarded as a continuation candidate of Mexico’s popular populist leader Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has garnered significant support from voters who see her as a representative of the working class.
However, López Obrador’s presidency has not been without controversy. While he is adored by many for his efforts to dismantle the country’s elite parties and empower the working class, critics argue that his actions have endangered Mexico’s democracy. Last year, he significantly reduced funding for the National Electoral Institute, the country’s electoral agency, and weakened oversight of campaign spending. This move raised concerns among experts who warned that it could “poison democracy itself.”
Furthermore, López Obrador has been known to attack journalists during lengthy press briefings and frequently criticize Mexico’s judiciary, accusing judges of being part of a conservative conspiracy against his administration. These actions have fueled discontent among those who believe in the importance of a free and independent press and an impartial judiciary.
In Mexico City, the epicenter of the protests, thousands of people dressed in pink flooded the main plaza, chanting “get López out” and holding signs that read “the power of the people is greater than the people in power.” The color pink has become a symbol for the demonstrators, representing their demand for free and fair elections.
Various opposition organizations participated in the marches, including the National Civic Front, Yes for Mexico, Citizen Power, Civil Society Mexico, UNE Mexico, and United for Mexico. Prominent politician Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), released a video on social media urging people to join the protests. He emphasized the importance of democracy, stating, “Democracy doesn’t solve lack of water, it doesn’t solve hunger, it doesn’t solve a lot of things. But without democracy, you can’t solve anything.”
The marches extended beyond Mexico’s borders, with demonstrations taking place in a hundred cities across the country, as well as in the United States and Spain. Despite the widespread protests, López Obrador remains highly popular, and his ally Sheinbaum is currently leading the polls with a staggering 64% support. Her closest competitor, Xóchitl Gálvez, trails behind at 31%.
In response to the protests, López Obrador dismissed the organizers’ intentions, suggesting that they were defending corruption rather than fighting for democracy. During a press briefing, he questioned whether the demonstrators truly cared about democracy, stating, “They are calling the demonstration to defend corruption, they are looking for the return of the corrupt, although they say they care about democracy.”
As Mexico gears up for the June elections, the “march for democracy” serves as a reminder of the importance of free and fair elections and the need for continued vigilance to protect democratic values. The outcome of these elections will undoubtedly shape the future of Mexico and its commitment to democracy.