On 29 May, leading figures from Mexico’s ruling Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena) party attended the closing campaign activities for candidates in the upcoming gubernatorial elections.
Analysis:
This was the last weekend of campaigning ahead of the elections that will see new governors selected in Aguascalientes, Durango, Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, Oaxaca and Quintana Roo on 5 June. Morena is seeking to take all six states, which would take its governorship tally to 22 out of 32. However, although Morena is likely to enjoy considerable success, the latest polls suggest a clean sweep of states is unlikely.
- On the final weekend of campaigning, Morena heavyweights were out in force. Yesterday, Interior Minister Adán Augusto López, showed his support for Mara Lezama, Morena’s gubernatorial candidate in Quintana Roo, having attended campaign activities of Aguascalientes candidate Nora Ruvalcaba and Durango candidate Marina Vitela along with Mexico City (CDMX) mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, the day before.
- Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard was scheduled to attend the campaign closing of Salomón Jara, Morena’s gubernatorial candidate in Oaxaca. However, he cancelled his visit due to disruption caused by Hurricane Agatha, showing support through Twitter instead.
- On 24 May, the opposition Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) denounced López, Sheinbaum and Ebrard before the national electoral institute (INE) for “participation in acts in support of Morena candidates”, which the PRI claimed violated the principles of impartiality and fairness in the electoral process.
- Morena is hoping to triumph in all six states, which are currently under the control of parties in the tripartite Va por México alliance, comprising PRI, Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) and Partido de la Revolución Democrática (PRD). However, the most recent data from pollster Consulta-Mitofsky shows PAN’s Tere Jiménez with a significant lead in Aguascalientes. According to Consulta-Mitofsky president, Roy Campos, Durango is also not a guaranteed win for Morena, remaining too close to call.
- In addition to the gubernatorial elections, voters in Durango will take to the polls to elect mayors, municipal officials and town councillors. Local deputies will also be elected in Quintana Roo. In total, 436 elected positions will be at stake.
Looking Ahead: Morena remains bullish ahead of the elections, with politicians and supporters using the #6de6 (six of six) hashtag on Twitter. The anticipated loss in Aguascalientes will no doubt be glossed over if Morena triumphs elsewhere, especially if Vitela pulls through in Durango.
