A constitutional change backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum takes effect Wednesday and, from 2028, bars dual nationals from the presidency, governorships and the Mexico City mayoralty unless they renounce the other citizenship.
Mexico's reform barring dual citizens from the presidency takes effect on Wednesday, Reuters reported from Mexico City. President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed it in late August and said it was meant to limit foreign interference. Opponents say it was drawn to block opposition candidates and that it hurts Mexicans who gained another nationality abroad.
The change also covers state governors and the mayor of Mexico City. It applies from 2028. Candidates with dual nationality would have to renounce the non-Mexican citizenship before running. Next year's midterms, including some governorships, are unchanged.
Sheinbaum said at her morning press conference that the decree had been signed and that no president or governor may hold dual citizenship. She said the official gazette would publish the bill later in the day. A Morena-led majority passed it in both chambers.
The opposition PAN said the rule is inconsistent with Congress, where lawmakers may hold another nationality. Larry Rubin, president of the American Society of Mexico and a dual US-Mexican citizen, wrote that loyalty is measured by actions and respect for the constitution, not by the number of passports.
The reform is in force as a constitutional change. Its first binding election cycle is 2028.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Sheinbaum said no president or governor may hold dual citizenship.
- Larry Rubin said loyalty to Mexico is not measured by the number of passports.
- The PAN said the rule is inconsistent with the rules for members of Congress.