President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a constitutional decree that bars dual nationals from running for president, state governor or Mexico City head of government, with the rule starting in the 2028 elections.
President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday signed a constitutional reform decree barring people with dual nationality from running for the presidency, a state governorship, or head of government of Mexico City, Xinhua reported. She said at her daily press conference in the National Palace that no president or governor may hold dual nationality.
The decree had already passed the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and been ratified by the required number of state legislatures. Xinhua said it was to be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on Wednesday and takes effect on publication, but the new rules apply from the 2028 electoral process.
Forbes Mexico reported that the Senate approved the text on 29 September by 86 votes to 42. Candidates must be Mexican by birth and, if they hold another nationality, renounce it before registering, and show that the legal link to the other state has ended. While in office they may not acquire another nationality, invoke it, or use a foreign passport.
Legal counsel Luisa Maria Alcalde said the administration promoted the measure to prevent foreign interference. The presidency had sent the initiative in late August. Forbes said sitting officeholders are not affected when the reform enters into force, and that Congress has 90 days to align nationality and electoral laws.
The signing is the enactment step after congressional and state approval. It does not remove anyone now in office.
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- Sheinbaum said no president or governor may hold dual nationality.
- Alcalde said the measure was meant to prevent foreign interference.