Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Mexico Bars Dual Citizens From Presidency and Governorships
Mexico has approved a rule about who can run for some of its most important elected jobs.
People with citizenship in another country will have to give up those ties before running for president, governor, or mayor of Mexico City.
The rule takes effect on Wednesday, but it will apply to candidates starting in 2028.
President Claudia Sheinbaum says the change is meant to stop foreign interference.
Critics say it is unfair to Mexicans who became citizens of another country while living abroad.
They also point out that members of Mexico’s Congress can have another nationality.
The next year’s midterm elections will not be affected.
The reform was approved by the ruling party and its allies.
Mexico’s reform bars dual nationals from seeking the presidency, state governorships, or Mexico City mayoralty unless they renounce non-Mexican ties.
The reform takes effect Wednesday but applies to candidates starting in 2028.
The change was approved by lawmakers and senators from the ruling Morena party and its allies.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said the measure is intended to prevent foreign interference.
Opponents argue it infringes on the rights of Mexicans who acquired another nationality and conflicts with rules allowing dual-nationality legislators.
- Who
- Mexico’s lawmakers approved the reform; it will affect candidates with dual nationality for specified offices.
- What
- A reform bars dual nationals from running for president, state governor, or Mexico City mayor unless they renounce non-Mexican ties.
- When
- It takes effect Wednesday and applies to candidates starting in 2028.
- Where
- Mexico.
- Why
- President Claudia Sheinbaum says the measure is intended to prevent foreign interference; critics say it infringes on the rights of Mexicans with another nationality.
Supporters
Critics
Purpose and eligibility
Supporters
Claudia Sheinbaum defended the reform as a measure to prevent foreign interference.
Critics
Critics say it violates the rights of Mexicans who migrated abroad and obtained another citizenship, and suggest it could be designed to block opposition candidates.
Consistency with other rules
Supporters
The reform applies a renunciation requirement to candidates for the specified executive offices.
Critics
The PAN argues the rule is inconsistent because regulations allow lawmakers and senators to hold other nationalities.
- Offices covered
- President, state governor, and Mexico City mayor
- Application begins
- 2028
- Requirement
- Dual nationals must renounce non-Mexican ties before running for covered offices.
- Support in Congress
- Approved by a majority of lawmakers and senators from Morena and its allies.
- Midterm elections
- Next year’s midterm elections will proceed without changes.
- President’s stated rationale
- Preventing foreign interference
- Opposition concern
- The PAN said the reform is inconsistent with rules allowing members of Congress to hold other nationalities.