Mexico 2018: Post-Election Analysis

DATE CHANGE - This event will now be taking place on Wednesday 18th July. 

On 1st July, Mexico voted to elect a new president. Preliminary results show Andrés Manuel López Obrador, more commonly known as Amlo, winning by a landslide with more than 50% of the vote. Rivals Ricardo Anaya of the conservative PAN, and José Antonio Meade, of the incumbent PRI, have both conceded defeat and congratulated Amlo.

The victory of Amlo's leftist National Regeneration Party (Morena) marks the end of two-party rule in Mexico, where power has been alternating between the PAN and the PRI since 2000, after decades of the PRI holding the presidency. This shows Mexico's desire for change, with many voters disillusioned with the ruling political elite. Amongst other things, Amlo has pledged to rule for all of Mexico, particularly the poor and vulnerable, tackle corruption, and adopt a different stance on the 'war on drugs'.

This event will be an opportunity to discuss the issues that have shaped this year's election in Mexico, which was marred by high levels of electoral violence, and look ahead to what the future will carry for Mexico, its relations with its northern neighbour, and the Latin American region as a whole, under the direction of the new president who will take office on 1 December.

Canning House is delighted to welcome Mexican economist Rodrigo Aguilera and Dr Thomas Rath, graduate tutor at UCL, to speak. Giles Paxman, Canning House trustee and former UK ambassador to Mexico, will chair the event.