In a historic election, Mexico is set to choose its first female president, with over 100 million citizens heading to the polls. The leading candidates, Claudia Sheinbaum and Xochitl Galvez, represent a significant shift in the political landscape, as the country has never had a woman in the highest office in its 200-year history.

Claudia Sheinbaum, a former mayor and a prominent climate scientist, positions herself as a defender of Mexico's future, promising an honest government free from corruption and foreign influence. However, her candidacy raises questions about her ties to the current president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), whose administration has faced criticism for its handling of security issues. Sheinbaum's campaign builds on AMLO's legacy, which has maintained high approval ratings despite ongoing violence and insecurity.

Xochitl Galvez, a former senator and leader of the opposition coalition, challenges Sheinbaum's connection to AMLO, questioning whether she will be an independent leader or merely a continuation of the current administration's policies. Galvez has been vocal about the failures of AMLO's security strategy, which has seen a staggering number of murders and disappearances during his tenure.

The election is overshadowed by rampant violence, with over 700 individuals connected to the electoral process reported as threatened, kidnapped, or murdered. The violence is largely attributed to drug cartels vying for control over trafficking routes, particularly in states like Guerrero, Puebla, and Chiapas. Candidates have faced extreme dangers, with several assassinated in the lead-up to the election.

Security remains the top concern for voters, as many express fears for their safety while participating in the electoral process. Reports indicate that some communities have opted out of the election altogether due to threats of violence. Linda Iguerra, a candidate for county administration, shared her experience of intimidation during her campaign, highlighting the challenges women face in politics.

Both candidates have proposed different approaches to addressing the security crisis. Sheinbaum advocates for the establishment of a national intelligence agency and continued militarization of security forces, while Galvez criticizes the current administration's approach, calling for a reevaluation of strategies that have failed to protect citizens.

As Mexico prepares for this pivotal election, the outcome could reshape the nation's political future, with the potential for a female leader to break barriers and address the pressing issues of security, migration, and economic stability.