Woman Presidential Candidate Makes History In Mexico

Josefina Vazquez Mota made history in Mexico last weekend when she was chosen by voters to represent the National Action Party (PAN) in this year’s presidential elections. Vazquez won her party’s primary election with 55% of the vote, making her the first female candidate from a major party on the Mexican ballot.

The former congresswoman has previously worked as an economist, and as a campaign manager for President Felipe Calderón’s 2006 campaign and later served as education secretary in his cabinet.

Although Vazquez Mota was popular among voters, her victory was seen as an upset for party insiders, many of whom were backing her opponent, Cordero.  She also faces what many analysts are calling an tough battle against the popular front-runner from the competing Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) candidate Enrique Pena Nieto.

Despite the obstacles, Vazque Mota remains confident, claiming shortly after her victory, “I will be the first woman president of Mexico in history”.  The Mexican general election will take place on July 1.

References:

• MSNBC
• L.A. Times