Mexico’s Ban on Dual Nationals Running for President and Governor Takes Effect, With Opposition Objections

Mexico’s constitutional reform barring dual citizens from running for president took effect on Wednesday 7 October, according to Reuters. The reform also applies to state governors and the mayor of Mexico City. It was proposed in late August by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who defended it, Reuters reported, as a measure to prevent foreign interference.

What the Reform Says

According to Reuters, the amendment was approved by a majority of lawmakers and senators from the ruling Morena party and its allies, and it will apply from 2028. At that point, people with dual nationality must renounce any non-Mexican ties before running for the positions covered. Next year’s midterm elections, in which some state governorships will be on the ballot, will proceed without changes, the agency reported.

Sheinbaum signed the decree on Wednesday and said at her daily press conference that no president or governor may hold dual citizenship, Reuters reported. She said the official gazette would publish the measure later that day. The agency noted that Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela also prohibit their presidents from holding another nationality.

The Objections

Reuters reported that the reform has drawn criticism from those who say the ruling party designed it to block opposition candidates. Opponents argue it violates the rights of Mexicans who migrated and acquired citizenship elsewhere, such as in the United States, and point out that the Constitution already sets nationality requirements for top posts. The opposition National Action Party (PAN) said the change is inconsistent with rules for Congress, which allow lawmakers and senators to hold other nationalities. Larry Rubin, president of the American Society of Mexico, who holds US and Mexican citizenship, criticised the reform on social media, saying that loyalty to Mexico is not measured by the number of passports a person holds.

Why It Matters

The measure turns a long-running debate about nationality and political office into constitutional text, with its effects not felt until 2028. Both the government’s argument about foreign interference and the opposition’s argument about rights and fairness are likely to shape how it is received by Mexicans at home and abroad.