Mexico enacts reform barring dual citizens from presidency

Mexicans who hold a second citizenship, such as U.S. citizenship, will no longer be able to run for president, state governor or Mexico City mayor without first giving up their foreign nationality. President Claudia Sheinbaum signed the constitutional reform decree on Wednesday and told her daily press conference that no president or governor may hold dual citizenship. The rules start with the 2028 electoral process, and candidates will have to renounce their other citizenship before completing registration with Mexico's National Electoral Institute. Next year's midterm elections, which include some governor races, will go ahead unchanged. Ordinary citizens can still hold dual nationality. [1] [2] [3]

Sheinbaum proposed the change in late August, presenting it as a way to keep foreign interference out of Mexican politics. Lawmakers and senators from her ruling Morena party and its allies passed it. Critics argue the ruling party designed it to keep opposition candidates out of the race, and that it violates the rights of Mexicans who moved abroad and became citizens elsewhere. They also note the Constitution already sets nationality requirements for top offices. The opposition PAN party asked why the ban covers executive posts while members of Congress may still hold other nationalities. [1] [3]

Larry Rubin, a dual U.S.-Mexican citizen who leads the American Society of Mexico, objected in a post on X. He wrote that loyalty to Mexico "is not measured by how many passports a person has" but by a person's actions, track record and respect for the Constitution. Mexico joins Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, which also bar their presidents from holding another nationality. [1] [3]