As Mexicans head to the polls to elect their next president and thousands of state and local posts, the country is facing a historic drought and water crisis. The ruling MORENA party is under fire as voters blame them for the water shortages, which could impact the upcoming election.
MORENA candidate Claudia Sheinbaum is still favored to win the presidency, but the water crisis is a pressing issue that the next leader will have to address. With 30 out of 32 Mexican states experiencing drought, the situation is dire.
In Mexico City, the capital with a population of 10 million, tens of thousands of people are without regular running water. Residents are relying on public water trucks or paying for private deliveries, adding to the financial burden for many who are already struggling.
The opposition has seized on the water crisis to criticize the ruling party, with campaign posters urging voters not to support MORENA if they are affected by the shortages. Former leader of Iztapalapa and MORENA candidate for Mexico City mayor, Clara Brugada, has seen her lead diminish in the polls as the water crisis worsens.
Opposition candidate Santiago Taboada has promised to address the water situation by increasing rainwater recycling and fixing leaks to reduce water waste. A win for Taboada would not only be a blow to MORENA but also a significant boost for the opposition ahead of future elections.
The outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and the future of water management in Mexico.