Mexico elections: Leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is new president after landslide victory

Chloe Chaplain1 July 2019

Lefttist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has stormed to victory in Mexico's presidential election in what has been dubbed a “historic day” for the country.

Mexican voters furious as spiralling corruption and violence in the country unleashed a political earthquake on Sunday by electing the candidate who pledged to oust the "mafia of power" ruling the country.

A quick count forecast that Mr Lopez Obrador would win with more than 53 per cent of the vote – more than double his next opponent – and an exit poll predicted his party would score huge wins in the Senate and lower house.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador storms to victory in Mexico election

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The result gives him a clear mandate to overthrow the political establishment and govern for the poor and, as the results emerged, he called for reconciliation.

Newly elected Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador cheers his supporters at the Zocalo Square
AFP/Getty Images

Supporters began wild celebrations in Mexico City as the counts were announced, with thousands flooding into the central streets where they beeped car horns, sung and danced into the night,

US President Donald Trump tweeted his congratulations to the new leader, saying: "I look very much forward to working with him. There is much to be done that will benefit both the United States and Mexico!"

In his campaign Mr Lopez Obrador – who had made two prior unsuccessful bids to be elected president – vowed to transform Mexico.

Leading numerous opinion polls, he rode widespread voter anger and discontent with the governing Institutional Revolution Party (PRI) of President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Supporters of the presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador celebrate at the Zocalo square in Mexico City
AFP/Getty Images

The PRI, which dominated Mexican politics for nearly the entire 20th century and recaptured the presidency in 2012, was set to suffer heavy losses not just for the presidency but in down-ballot races as well.

In brief remarks at a hotel in central Mexico City, Mr Lopez Obrador called for reconciliation after a polarising campaign and promised profound change that respects the law and constitutional order.

Celebrations: Tens of thousands pack Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo
AP

"I confess that I have a legitimate ambition: I want to go down in history as a good president of Mexico. I desire with all my soul to raise the greatness of our country on high."

"Today one stage has ended and we are going to begin another one - we are going to transform Mexico!"

Historic: Lopez Obrador pledged to transform the country
AFP/Getty Images

He said individual and property rights would be guaranteed, promised respect for the autonomy of the Bank of Mexico and said his government will maintain financial and fiscal discipline.

Conservative Ricardo Anaya of a right-left coalition and the PRI's Jose Antonio Meade acknowledged defeat shortly after polls closed nationwide.

"For the good of Mexico, I wish him the greatest success," Mr Meade said.

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