AMLO Wins Recall Election Amid Poor Voter Turnout

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has won the “recall election” by a huge margin amid a low turnout of voters and an opposition boycott.

López Obrador won more than 90% of the votes, calling the victory “historic”. Reports say that less than 20% of eligible voters cast their ballots.

The so-called recall election is first-of-its-kind in Mexico. Voters were asked whether they want the President to resign midway through his term or continue in office for another two years.

Such referendums are normally called by opposition parties in order to prove the president unpopular. But in the case of Mexico, the President himself called for the plebiscite.

Opposition leaders had discouraged their supporters from voting, describing the plebiscite as a costly political drama aimed at distracting people’s attention from the country’s real problems.

Some analysts say AMLO may use the victory to extend his term limits, which is currently limited to single six years. The President has dismissed the allegation, claiming that people are happy with his administration.

AMLO was elected to office in 2018 with a pledge to reduce crime and boost the country’s economy. His promises are yet to be fulfilled. Thanks to his numerous social welfare programs, he has managed to retain the support of his voters.