Mexico, dual nationality banned for presidential candidates
Quick Look
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signed the constitutional reform decree that bans candidates for president, state governorships and mayor of Mexico City from having dual nationality.
- The measure, approved by Congress and state parliaments, will take effect from the 2028 presidential elections.
- The opposition contests the reform, saying it limits the political rights of Mexicans with dual citizenship.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The constitutional reform bans dual nationality for presidential candidates, state governorships and the mayor of Mexico City. It was approved by Congress and 22 state legislatures and will take effect in the 2028 presidential election.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum today signed the constitutional reform decree which prohibits candidates for the presidency of the Republic, for the positions of governor of states and mayor of Mexico City from having dual nationality. The measure, approved by a qualified majority by the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and subsequently by the 22 state parliaments, will come into force starting from the 2028 presidential elections and not from the mid-term elections next year.
Anyone who holds another citizenship will therefore be able to apply only after having renounced it and having completed the procedure required by law. The reform also prohibits those who hold these positions from acquiring another nationality, using a foreign passport or availing themselves of the diplomatic protection of another state.
Sheinbaum motivated the change with the need to ensure that the national interest prevails over any other.
The opposition has instead contested the measure, arguing that it limits the political rights of millions of Mexicans with dual nationality, particularly those who emigrated or were born abroad.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The opposition will file legal challenges against the constitutional reform at the nation's Supreme Court of Justice.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How many Mexicans with dual nationality will be affected by the reform?
- What will be the official procedures for renouncing second citizenship?
- How will the rule be applied to those who already hold public office and have another nationality?
