Many residents across Idaho voted in the Mexico elections. Claudia Sheinbaum is the country’s first female leader in more than 200 years of independence.
BOISE, Idaho — A historic victory for Mexicans around the world came when Claudia Sheinbaum made history by becoming the first woman elected president in the nation’s 200-year history.
“It’s time for us to understand that women can do it too,” said Caldwell resident Irma Rodriguez.
For Mexico, it is a presidency like no other, and a role in which many countries are not accustomed to seeing women.
“In Mexico, voting began in the ’50s. Before, women were not given a say,” said Greenleaf resident Alberto Mitra. “They only want it for the house and to raise the children.”
Sheinbaum is now breaking those barriers as a presidential winner with a six-year term beginning October 1.
“Finally I feel very proud,” Rodríguez said. “I hope you have all the plans and goals you have.”
Sheinbaum, 61, is the former mayor of Mexico City and represents the left-wing political party also known as Morena.
“Claudia Sheinbaum has done an excellent job in Mexico City, now it is her turn to lead an entire country,” said Mitra. “But whoever can govern Mexico City can govern the world.”
His victory came from voters around the world, including here in the Gem State. Mexican voters covered almost all parts of Idaho, extending as far as Hailey, where Carrillo Méndez resides.
“I feel very happy for having voted since here in the United States we had not been given this opportunity,” Méndez said.
Some local voters expressed concerns about the voting process, claiming they never received their absentee ballot, while others said it was difficult to contact the consulate. Some voters said it was as easy as clicking on their phones.
“They send you a code to be able to enter that page and be able to vote,” Rodríguez said.
With new beginnings, Mexicans are hopeful for changes on important issues such as health care and senior pensions.
“We have the opportunity that when we get there, there will be better health insurance and we will have a decent pension,” Mitra said.
Amid the violence in the country, security was also a major topic of interest.
“I hope she has all her plans and goals and that we support her because she says, ‘she is not alone.’ We are all women, from mother to daughter to grandmother,” Rodriguez said. “I hope she makes a change because she has seen herself.”
Until then, Mexicans around the world celebrate this new victory.
KTVB reached out to the Mexican Consulate in Boise, who responded with a statement in Spanish that translates to “at this time, no public servant or entity of the Mexican government can provide information in this regard.”
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