Mexico proposes barring dual nationality for president, governors

President Claudia Sheinbaum has introduced a significant initiative aimed at ensuring that Mexico's top leaders exclusively hold Mexican nationality. The proposal seeks to amend Article 86 of the Constitution, stipulating that the president must be a Mexican citizen by birth, with Mexican parents, and must not hold or acquire any other nationality.

Luisa María Alcalde, the President's Legal Counsel, detailed the proposal, stating that candidates must renounce any other citizenship before registering. Furthermore, those holding office will be prohibited from invoking foreign protection or using foreign identification. The initiative also extends these restrictions to state governors under Article 116 and the head of government for Mexico City under Article 122.

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We are proposing this to the Congress of the Union, that once they register, which is the moment they wish to be president, or head of the executive of an entity of the Republic, they must renounce another citizenship if they have one, and only keep Mexican nationality to guarantee that the nation's interest is above any other interest of any other state or nation in the world.

Sheinbaum emphasized that this measure is designed to safeguard the nation's interests, ensuring they supersede any external allegiances. The proposal is set to be sent to Congress for consideration. Alcalde added that reforms to the Nationality Law would also be proposed to establish clear procedures for renouncing dual nationality with both Mexican authorities and those of the other country involved.

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It is required to be a Mexican citizen by birth, in full enjoyment of rights, son or daughter of Mexican father or mother; not to have or acquire another nationality, and in case of having one, to renounce it prior to requesting registration as a candidate, and to have resided in the country for at least 20 years.