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Cold continues across Mexico, some states to see -10 degrees Celsius

By
Cat Rainsford
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Cold temps are predicted across the country this week, causing wind and high waves in coastal areas. (Crisanta Espinosa Aguilar/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico faces another wintry week, as cold front 17 brings “cold to very cold” temperatures to much of the country on Tuesday.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) predicts minimum temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius in the mountains of Chihuahua, Durango, Hidalgo, Puebla and Veracruz, and -5 degrees Celsius in Aguascalientes, Baja California, Coahuila, México state, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Sonora, Tlaxcala, Oaxaca and Zacatecas. Residents are warned to watch out for ice and possible snow.

It’s been a cold and wet winter so far this year in Mexico, with consistent snowfall in mountainous regions. (@meteoredmx/X)

High-altitude areas in Chiapas, Mexico City, Jalisco, Michoacán, Morelos, Querétaro and Tamaulipas are also expected to see temperatures close to freezing. The National Water Commission (Conagua) tweeted: “Don’t leave the house without bundling up well.”

Meanwhile, the same cold air mass will cause strong northerly winds with gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour and waves 2-4 meters high in the Gulf, potentially reaching the area of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The coasts of Quintana Roo and Yucatán will see gusts of up to 60 kilometers per hour and waves 1-3 meters high.

In Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas, winds could reach up to 60 kilometers per hour, with tornados possible.

Light rain is predicted for Baja California, Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca and Veracruz, and scattered showers for Baja California Sur, Campeche, Colima, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Tabasco and Yucatán.

Maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius will be seen in low-lying areas of Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa, and 35 degrees Celsius in the south of Sonora and the coasts of Oaxaca and Chiapas.

The Valley of Mexico is predicted to see a cold and cloudy morning, brightening later in the day. Temperatures in the capital will range between 3 and 22 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

Mexico News Daily

New Mexicana airline completes first test flight with military plane

By
Cat Rainsford
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The revived Mexicana airline will begin carrying passengers in late December. (Omar Martínez/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s new military-run commercial airline is preparing for its inaugural flight on Dec. 26, following initial test flights over the weekend.

The first test flight was undertaken using a Boeing 737-800 plane owned by the Defense Ministry (Sedena), which flew to Tijuana International Airport without passengers and returned to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) north of Mexico City.

Though the first Mexicana plane flew to Tijuana, the airline will not yet offer regular service to the northern destination. (Omar Martínez/Cuartoscuro)

“Look what a beauty,” Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda wrote on social media as the aircraft completed the outward journey. “The Mexicana de Aviación plane that took off at AIFA is landing in Tijuana, as part of the test flights to start operations VERY SOON.”

The plane had previously been kept at Monterrey International Airport, where it was repainted in the airline’s colors and received a new license plate to change its registration from a military to civilian aircraft. Two other Boeing 737s that are on loan to Mexicana from the Mexican Air Force are going through similar preparations.

Each of these Boeing 737s is a single-aisle aircraft with capacity to carry 130 passengers and an average lifespan of 15 years. Mexicana will also lease two smaller Embraer 145 aircraft for its initial phase of operations.

The airline’s launch date has already been delayed by several setbacks. In October, it was forced to suspend ticket sales while awaiting certification from Mexico’s Federal Aviation Agency (AFAC), which was finally granted on Oct. 30.

Mexicana has said that its operational centers will be the AIFA and the new Tulum International Airport, both of which are run by the military. The route between the AIFA and Tijuana was initially expected to be one of the airline’s main services.

However, in mid-November, the airline announced that it would not be able to serve the 20 routes it had planned during its first phase of operations – and both Tulum and Tijuana have been left out of its preliminary schedule.

For now, Mexicana will open with flights from the Mexico City to 10 destinations: Acapulco, Huatulco, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Monterrey, Villahermosa and Guadalajara. Travelers who had already booked tickets to other destinations will be reimbursed.

The airline will also not be able to fly outside of Mexico or provide third-party services until its aircraft are approved by international agencies. In the long-term, the federal government has said that Mexicana will continue to focus on covering national routes.

Despite these challenges, President López Obrador has continued to express optimism about the new government-run service, and confirmed on Sunday that he will attend the airline’s scheduled inauguration on Dec. 26.

With reports from Infobae and Milenio

Got 1 min? Mexican Open confirms return to Acapulco for 2024 tournament

By
MND Staff
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The venue of the Mexican Men's Tennis Open is currently being rebuilt to be able to host the 2024 tournament in late February. (@LaPresse_Sports/X)

Despite the extensive damage caused to the Arena GNP Seguros stadium in Acapulco by Hurricane Otis organizers have confirmed that the 2024 Mexican Open men’s tennis tournament will be held there. 

“With great enthusiasm and optimism, we are pleased to announce that the Telcel Mexican Open presented by HSBC will take place in Acapulco from February 24 to March 2, 2024,” the event organizer Mextenis said in a statement.

Damage to Arena GNP stadium in Acapulco
Hurricane Otis caused severe damage to the GNP Arena in Acapulco. (Cuartoscuro)

The organizers have also invited Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal to join the tournament. “We’ll always have a place for Rafa, if he decides to come,” Mextenis Director Álvaro Falla said. Nadal won the Mexican Open in 2022 but did not return to play in this year’s tournament, which was won by Australian Alex de Miñaur. 

The Category 5 storm destroyed the tennis courts and caused structural damage when it made landfall on Oct. 25, also causing the roof to collapse.  Despite the significant reconstruction required, event organizers have assured that they will be ready to host the tournament. 

“[This] is a process of reconstruction, but also of healing; there are scars from the wounds, but we are going to offer the same experiences,” Falla said. 

In their statement, the organizers emphasized that the tournament celebrates tennis and the broader camaraderie among Mexicans as they rebuild in the hurricane’s aftermath. 

“We express our recognition and gratitude to the great work and support of the people of Guerrero, to the public that has purchased tickets, to all our sponsors for their continued support, and to… the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP),” Falla said. 

Not only is the GNP Arena a venue for tennis tournaments, but it also hosts other large-scale events, including concerts. The venue had planned to host two concerts by pop superstar Luis Miguel and one by the Mexican group Ha-Ash, but they were canceled due to the schedule of reconstruction.

With reports from Record, Infobae and Forbes México

Navigating Mexico’s real estate landscape 2023 

By
Camila Sánchez Bolaño
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Casa Camille
Poolside at Casa Camille. (CDR San Miguel)

Mexico’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and favorable real estate opportunities have attracted investors worldwide. If you plan to buy a property in Mexico in 2024, understanding the intricacies of purchasing property in this country demands carefully exploring legal, financial, and cultural landscapes.

From the turquoise shores of the Yucatan Peninsula to the colonial charm of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico’s diverse geography and culture translate into varied property options—beachfront villas, urban condos, or rustic haciendas. Each region, from the buzzing streets of Mexico City to the tranquil shores of Baja California, offers distinct advantages and challenges for buyers. Here is a round-up of our best articles on buying properties in Mexico. 

Together with Mexico International Real Estate.

For those looking for a life by the beach, here is everything you need to know about buying a beachfront property in Mexico.  

If you are inclined more towards buying a home in a colonial, beautiful small city, San Miguel de Allende might be the best place for you. Here is a guide to buying in San Miguel from a team of experts.  

Mexico has a vast landscape of real estate opportunities, and you might want to live close to the beach in one of the country’s safest cities. Learn all about buying properties in Mérida. 

In recent decades, many residential developments in Mexico have adopted sustainability practices. Here are some eco-friendly places to live in Mexico. 

Periférico 2008.
Here are some options for residential developments that offer a sustainable experience. (Courtesy Periférico 2008)

Foreign buyers must comprehend the intricacies of ejido lands, restricted zones along coastlines, and the importance of a fideicomiso (trust) for secure ownership in these areas. Awareness of visa requirements, local customs, and community dynamics is also essential. Here is a Q&A with one of Mexico’s top real estate agents. 

Buying property in Mexico is exciting but demands meticulous attention to legalities, financial intricacies, and cultural nuances. With the proper guidance and understanding, investing in Mexico’s real estate market can offer an entry into Mexican life.

We know them as floating gardens, but what is a chinampa, really?

By
Bethany Platanella
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Farmers and chefs in Xochimilco
Local farmers and chefs creating a culinary experience for rural tourism. (Bethany Plantanella)

Once upon a time in the southwestern region of the Valley of México, there was a land called Chinampan, where rectangular fields, up to 100 meters long and 25 meters wide, were created by man as a form of raised field agriculture. The fields were known as chinampas, and on those chinampas were chapines, or small squares of mud for seedlings to grow. That mud came from the depths of the canals created within the shallow lake upon which all of these chinampas seemed to be floating. 

However, they weren’t really floating. The chinampa was kept in place by an interwoven system of ahuejote roots (willow) and reeds beneath its surface which served as both an anchor and a source of moisture. This constant absorption of water meant that a chinampa was effectively a sponge able to yield up to 5 harvests a year. A yield able to feed the 150,000 or more inhabitants of the Kingdom of Tenochtitlan, especially when you consider that today’s estimated 2,215 hectares of chinampas is a fraction of what it was in the 15th century.

A CSA box which can be ordered through Arca Tierra. (Bethany Plantanella)

Chinampan is now known as Xochimilco, the land of misty canals, endangered axolotl, and  Saturday afternoon debauchery singing Vicente Fernández classics with your friends aboard a colorful trajinera (a gondola-like boat). Of the 2,215 hectares of land that remain, 1,000 hectares are abandoned and 300 hectares have been urbanized. A sizable portion of the 400 kilometers of canals remaining is polluted, and the fight to keep contractors from encroaching with apartment complex blueprints is daunting. Less than 3% of the existing farms are actually productive, even less are dedicated to organic farming. 

Joy Hernández and her team at Arca Tierra are out to change all that. I met Joy at a “Sunrise in Xochimilco” tour in September and got to chat with her about their plans. The company is intent on saving the chinampa tradition through two avenues: rural tourism and regenerative agriculture. 

“We have built a network of peasant farmers integrated by 50 families who dedicate their time to sowing as well as regenerating the soil (without the use of agro chemicals). We distribute all these agro ecological products through two channels. One is to restaurants and the other is through a subscription service or CSA,” she said. They sell only what’s in season to reduce their carbon footprint and provide produce that is rich in nutrients. The team also works to eliminate any surplus, which ensures fair prices and decent pay for the workers.

Tourism has also proved useful. Together with local farmers, chefs, and artisans, Arca Tierra hosts culinary experiences on the chinampas so “visitors can see how food is grown and taste some of the seasonal produce that grows”. This helps to show the public why preserving the sustainable farming practice is so critical not just to Mexico City, but to the world. 

Chinampa del Sol, one of Arca Tierra’s ecofriendly farms. (Bethany Plantanella)

Why exactly are chinampas so important, anyway? For starters, they are one of the most (if not the most) sustainable forms of farming. Chinampas work with the environment instead of against it and, as a result, they:

  1. Provide a safe habitat for birds, fish, insects, and other mammals to thrive. In fact, 12 percent of the country’s biodiversity and two percent of the world’s biodiversity can be found in Xochimilco!
  2. Promote the growth of fungal species within its soils, naturally limiting the proliferation of harmful pathogens.
  3. Maintain Mexico City’s average temperature. 
  4. Absorb vast amounts of carbon.
  5. Provide fresh produce in and around CDMX, including to the city’s top restaurants, notably Pujol, Máximo Bistro, Rosetta, and Contramar.
  6. Prove that human intervention has the power to enhance the environment rather than threaten it.
A culinary experience on a chinampa with ArcaTierra. (Bethany Plantanella)

Many say the future of the chinampas looks bleak. The fight to preserve and protect Xochimilco and its peasant farming community has made it to the New York Times, BBC, National Geographic, NPR, and Smithsonian Magazine. Getting the information out there is the first step and, with conservation programs like MOJA and Adopt an Axolotl spreading the word, there’s a real chance at salvation. 

Want to help but not sure how? If you live in Mexico City, consider signing up for Arca Tierra’s CSA program. A box of fresh, seasonal produce will be delivered to your door on a weekly or bimonthly basis. Or, support Xochimilco’s eco-tourism movement by participating in a tour of the chinampas with companies like Comunidad Routes n Roots.

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.

Mexican cantaloupe processing plant shut down after deadly salmonella outbreak

By
MND Staff
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Sliced cantaloupe melon on a plate
The outbreak was traced back to two brands of cantaloupe. (Elena Mozhvilo/Unsplash)

Authorities have suspended operations at a cantaloupe processing plant in Sonora that is linked to deadly salmonella outbreaks in the United States and Canada.

Six deaths in Canada and four in the United States have been attributed to salmonella infections caused by the consumption of Mexican cantaloupes.

Over 300 people in the United States and more than 150 in Canada have become sick with the food-borne illness after eating contaminated cantaloupes.

The federal health regulator Cofepris said in a statement on Friday that U.S. and Canadian authorities notified it about the detection of salmonella in cantaloupe processed in Sonora.

Cofepris contacted Sonora health regulator Coesprisson and that agency conducted “two health verification visits to the processing company” in the city of Guaymas and ordered the “temporary suspension of activities” as a “safety measure.”

Agriculture sanitation authority Senasica took samples from surfaces and of water for testing, according to the statement.

Three images: a sliced cantaloupe and brand stickers reading Rudy and Malachita
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) said Rudy and Malachita brand cantaloupes have been linked to the outbreak. (CDC)

Malachita and Rudy brand cantaloupes have been linked to the salmonella outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada, and authorities there have issued recalls of the fruit. Cantaloupes branded as such are grown in Sonora, one of Mexico’s leading producers of the fruit, and processed at the plant in Guaymas.

Batches of the cantaloupes have been returned to Mexico, Cofepris said, adding that it was carrying out actions to prevent contaminated products being sold on the local market.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) first announced a salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes on Nov. 1. The agency has investigated infections in eight provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.

Most of the people who have become sick with salmonella in Canada were aged under six or 65 or older, according to PHAC.

In the United States, 302 salmonella cases linked to Mexican cantaloupes had been detected in 42 states as of Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Three of the four deaths occurred in Minnesota, while one person died in Oregon.

“CDC is concerned about this outbreak because the illnesses are severe and people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers have gotten sick,” the public health agency said in a food safety alert.

“Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used,” the CDC said.

With reports from El País, CBC and CNN

Best health benefits of organic Maya honey

By
Mark Viales
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Beyond its antibacterial benefit, Melipona honey also boasts antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant attributes. (Freepik)

Moving through the air in a display of mesmerizing acrobatics, a stingless honey bee native to the Americas navigates through the jungle toward its hive inside the trunk of a hollow Guanacaste tree. Two tiny pieces of pollen plucked from a nearby jabín flower stick to its hind legs. Together with pollen from other medicinal plants harvested by millions of busy bees, powder from the jabín flower will be used to create one of the most potent health elixirs in the natural world, Melipona honey.

Sweet with a citric taste, this unique honey has gained international attention for its potential health benefits following a recent scientific study that shed light on its many medical uses. But 3,000 years ago, the Ancient Maya believed certain flowers, known as Melipona flowers, were divine beings that could transcend from the heavens to the underworld, giving honey its special properties. These flowers are the medicinal jabín, tajonal, tsitsilché, chakah and xtabentún flowers.

The difference between Mexican Melipona honey and regular honey is its remarkable antibacterial properties, which include Methylglyoxal (a natural germ-fighting compound). Beyond its antibacterial benefit, Melipona honey also boasts antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant attributes. Throughout history, this honey has been employed to heal wounds, alleviate sore throats, guard against tooth decay and correct digestive issues.

Here are some of the best reasons why Maya Melipona honey is worth looking into:

Alleviate a sore throat

For those grappling with a sore throat, Melipona honey could offer extra relief. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties can help lessen inflammation and reduce bacteria count. It is smoother than regular honey and does not give you a sickly feeling if you have too much. Not only does Melipona honey target harmful bacteria but it also forms a soothing coating along the inner lining of the throat.

A 2021 study focused on patients undergoing chemotherapy for head and neck cancer researched Melipona honey as a preventive medicine for Streptococcus mutans – a bacteria strain that causes sore throats. The study discovered a significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans levels following Melipona honey consumption. 

Historically, several types of honey have been effective as natural cough suppressants, but this study found Melipona honey to be even more effective than common cough syrups.

Enhance gastrointestinal well-being

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) stands out as a prevalent digestive disorder characterized by symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. Ongoing research suggests that regular consumption of Melipona honey may help alleviate some of these symptoms. Demonstrating positive effects on antioxidant levels and inflammation in rats afflicted with both IBS and ulcerative colitis (a form of irritable bowel disease), Melipona honey was recommended for gastrointestinal health by the study mentioned above.

Melipona honey has also exhibited efficacy against strains of Clostridium difficile. 

Clostridium difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, is a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea and bowel inflammation. While standard treatment requires antibiotics, recent studies have explored the potential use of Melipona honey against C. diff strains. Notably, Melipona honey demonstrated the ability to eradicate C. diff cells, suggesting potential as an effective alternative treatment.

Support dental care

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 50% of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. To safeguard against tooth decay and maintain gum health, minimizing the presence of harmful oral bacteria responsible for plaque build-up is crucial. Equally important is the preservation of beneficial oral bacteria that play a role in maintaining health in the mouth and throat.

Research indicates that Melipona honey targets harmful oral bacteria associated with issues such as plaque formation, gum inflammation and tooth decay. Specifically, studies have highlighted the effectiveness of Melipona honey with high antibacterial content in inhibiting the growth of detrimental oral bacteria like P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans.

In a study exploring the impact of honey on plaque and gingivitis, participants were instructed to chew or suck on a Melipona honey chew, similar to chewy honey candy, for 10 minutes after every meal. The honey chew group showed a significant decrease in plaque and gingival bleeding compared to those who chewed a sugar-free stick of gum.

The notion of consuming honey for oral health might initially seem counterintuitive, given the association of sugar with cavities. However, as opposed to hard candy and refined sugar, Melipona honey’s potent antibacterial effects make it an unlikely contributor to cavities or tooth decay.

This miracle honey has plenty of other uses that are currently the focus of scientific research, but it will take some time for these uses to be verified by the medical community. 

In the meantime, it remains that although stingless bee honey and other kinds of honey may hold potential health benefits, they are not a substitute for medical treatment or dietary control. Guidance should always be sought from healthcare professionals to establish the relevant course of treatment for corresponding conditions.

Mark Viales writes for Mexico News Daily.

How was the first trip on the Maya Train?

By
MND Staff
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The Maya Train carried its first paying passengers last weekend, with trips between Cancún and Campeche. (Michael Balam/Cuartocuro)

Mexico’s Maya Train project, which links tourist areas and archaeological sites in five southern states, faced a few mishaps over its opening weekend following an inaugural ride by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Friday.

President López Obrador initiated the first operational portion of the 1,554-km route— a 473-km stretch between Cancún airport and Campeche that takes about 5½ hours to travel and has stops at 14 stations.

The inaugural journey was not without its challenges, as passengers waited for a delayed service in a station without functional toilets. (Michael Balam/Cuartoscuro)

However, even that route is only partially finished, with just a single line of a planned double-line track in place — meaning that one train has to wait in a siding while another passes.

For that reason, there will be only two trains per day each way at the outset.

However the limited schedule didn’t alleviate scheduling headaches. For the public opening on Saturday, the first departure from Cancún at 7 a.m. was 23 minutes late.

However, passengers lined up for the 11 a.m. train from Cancún had to wait a long time before it arrived from Campeche, with a delay of up to five hours reported by some outlets.

Amid rain and cold, dozens showed up early for the historic occasion. As minutes turned into hours, some napped on the concrete floor at the station, which is reportedly 85% complete – but does not yet have bathrooms (in its place were two portable toilets). 

Officials apologized for the long delay and said it was due to trains being “reconfigured.” 

“It is important to make it clear that this delay problem originated from a technical failure by Alstom, which is the company that provides us with the Maya Train,” a spokesman said. “We, the Tren Maya company, are not responsible for this breakdown. However, we apologize.”

While a major infrastructure project of the López Obrador government designed to increase development in Mexico’s poorer south, the Maya Train project has drawn objections from environmentalists, cave divers and archaeologists. Its route through the jungle crosses many environmentally sensitive areas riddled with caves and cenotes. The fragile ecosystem is also home to some of the oldest human remains in North America.

AMLO on supervision tour of Maya Train
The Maya Train is perhaps the defining policy of the López Obrador government. (lopezobrador.org.mx)

The second phase of the railway will launch on Dec. 30, with the rest of the line ready by the end of February, López Obrador said. Unlike the remaining two-thirds, the part of the line inaugurated Friday already had an existing train line running over much of the route.

Ticket sales for the inaugural runs began on Dec. 1, with ticket prices ranging from 1,166 pesos (about US $68) to 1,862 pesos (US $108). A first-class bus takes about the same time for around US $58, although cheaper options abound.

The Maya Train tickets will be priced differently for Mexican nationals and local residents,  with foreign tourists paying a higher fare. For the inaugural journey however, the only prices listed were for first class and tourist class.

With reports from La Jornada, El Economista and AP

Everything you need to know before renting in Mexico 2023

By
Camila Sánchez Bolaño
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One of the critical steps in settling down in Mexico is finding the right place to rent. (Freepik)

One of the critical steps in settling down in Mexico is finding the right place to rent. This year, Mexico News Daily published a few guides for expats navigating the rental landscape in this country.

Types of rental properties

Expats often find themselves choosing between apartments, houses, vacation rentals, or individual rooms within shared accommodations. Each option has unique advantages and considerations, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

Renting in Mexico? What to know before and just after arrival

Despite all the controversy about foreigners’ role in gentrification, there are good reasons to live in places popular with them, at least at first. (Unsplash)

For different rental locations in Mexico City read here 

Navigating the rental process and understanding the legal aspects

From lease agreements to security deposits, navigating the rental process in Mexico requires a clear understanding of local customs and legalities. Expats might encounter requirements such as proof of income, Mexican guarantors, or specific documentation. Understanding tenant rights and obligations is vital.

What to check before you rent that really cool place in Mexico

Ask the landlord how to work the hot water heater. It might be very different from what you are used to. Check the temperature, too. (Drazen Zigic/Freepik)

Renting in Mexico as a foreigner presents an exciting opportunity to immerse in a rich and diverse culture. You can find your ideal home in this beautiful country with proper research, understanding the local rental market, and being mindful of legalities and cultural nuances.

Poll shows Claudia Sheinbaum increases lead over Xóchitl Gálvez

By
MND Staff
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Two photos, one of Claudia Sheinbaum and the other of Xóchitl Gálvez
Polls show Morena candidate Claudia Sheinbaum with twice the supporters of her only official rival, Xóchitl Gálvez. (Claudia Sheinbaum/X; Xóchitl Gálvez/X)

Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum has twice as much support among Mexican voters as her main rival Xóchitl Gálvez, according to the results of a recent poll.

Just over half — 50.2% — of 1,600 eligible voters surveyed earlier this month by the Mitofsky polling company said they would vote for Sheinbaum if the election was held “this Sunday,” while 25.3% indicated they would cast their ballots for Gálvez.

Sheinbaum, Mexico City mayor until June, will represent the ruling Morena party as well as the Labor Party (PT) and the Ecological Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) at the June 2, 2024, presidential election.

Gálvez, a federal senator who took leave to campaign ahead of next year’s election, will represent the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), which together form the opposition bloc called Strength and Heart for Mexico (formerly known as the Broad Front for Mexico).

The two women are the only confirmed candidates for the upcoming presidential election.

Nuevo León Governor Samuel García was all but confirmed to stand as the Citizens Movement (MC) party candidate, but he put an end to his 2024 presidential ambitions earlier this month amid a political crisis in the northern border state. The party has not yet endorsed a presidential candidate, but is expected to announce its choice in January.

Claudia Sheinbaum greeting people
Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters in Chihuahua in September. (Gobierno de la Ciudad de Mexico/Cuartoscuro)

Mitofsky, which conducted its poll for the El Economista newspaper, found that 6.3% of eligible voters intended to vote for the MC’s candidate in 2024, while just over 18% of respondents didn’t nominate a preference or indicated they wouldn’t cast a ballot next June.

Among respondents who did nominate a preference, Sheinbaum had 61.4% support, well ahead of Gálvez on 30.9% and an as-yet undecided MC candidate on 7.7%.

More than four in five of those polled — 81% — said they knew who Sheinbaum was, while the figure for Gálvez was 68.5%.

Among those who know the former Mexico City mayor, 57.1% had a positive (very good or good) opinion of her, while 11.8% had a negative (very bad or bad) one. The remainder had a “regular” opinion of her, or declined to express a view.

Xóchitl Gálvez speaks at a podium
Former PAN Senator Xóchitl Gálvez left her legislative post to be a presidential candidate, but trails significantly behind Morena candidate Claudia Sheinbaum. (Jorge Ortega/Cuartoscuro.com)

Among those who know Gálvez, 36.3% had a positive opinion of her and 25.6% had a negative one. Her positive/negative “opinion balance” was +10.7%, well behind Sheinbaum on +45.3%.

Among the other questions Mitofsky put to the 1,600 people it polled was: “What is best for Mexico at this time?”

Just over half of the respondents — 51% — said that the best thing was for Morena to continue governing, while 39.8% indicated a preference for a change in Mexico’s ruling party (or parties). The remaining 9.2% didn’t offer an opinion.

The 51%/39.8% split suggests that the election could be closer than the other poll results indicate. However, there are presumably MC supporters among the respondents who would like to see a party other than Morena in power, meaning that support for the PAN, PRI and PRD support is not as strong as it might seem.

In fact, only 26.5% of poll respondents indicated they would support the PAN, PRI or PRD at the election, while 48.6% said they would vote for Morena, the PT or the PVEM.

President López Obrador, who founded Morena, won the 2018 presidential election with over 53% of the vote, more than double that of runner-up Ricardo Anaya.

The president is constitutionally barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, and formally ceded the leadership of the “fourth transformation” political project he initiated by handing over a symbolic “baton of command” to Sheinbaum in September.

Mexico News Daily 

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