Mexican Politicians Fear Failing Earthquake Test Ahead of 2018 Election, Reports Reuters

By Gabriel Stargardter

MEXICO CITY – With less than a year remaining before the presidential elections, Mexico’s ruling party and its coalition partners are increasingly concerned that voter dissatisfaction could result from their handling of two significant earthquakes that resulted in over 300 fatalities this month.

Given the low tolerance for political missteps following years of violence and corruption, the earthquakes threaten to further erode public confidence in President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration and the political landscape as a whole.

"We’re clearly aware that this is a test we cannot fail," said Senator Miguel Ángel Chico of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

Following an 8.1 magnitude earthquake on September 7—the strongest in nearly a century—Peña Nieto quickly responded, as the quake devastated portions of southern Mexico and claimed at least 98 lives. On September 19, a subsequent 7.1 magnitude quake struck, prompting him to cancel a visit to the disaster zone to return to Mexico City, where 38 buildings collapsed and many casualties occurred, including over 20 children at a school.

The death toll from the September 19 quake, which coincided with the anniversary of a catastrophic tremor in 1985, has reached 230.

Politicians from various parties have called for unity and commended the Mexican public’s willingness to assist in rescue efforts, as many volunteered to sift through debris in search of survivors.

However, one figure casts a long shadow over the aftermath of the earthquakes and the potential volatility leading up to the upcoming July elections: leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a prominent critic of the political establishment and front-runner in many polls.

López Obrador, or AMLO, as he is often referred to, has garnered significant backing in the left-leaning capital, home to around 20 million residents. The former mayor of Mexico City, who lost two previous presidential bids narrowly, earned accolades from supporters after the first earthquake by proposing that his party donate 20 percent of its federal campaign funds to support victims.

On September 20, volunteers across the nation mobilized to clear debris and donate supplies, reflecting a deep-seated skepticism regarding the political class and the government’s capacity to respond effectively.

"I believe voters may choose to hold the current government accountable if they mishandle this situation," stated Green Party Senator Daniel Ávila, whose party collaborates with the PRI.

MEMORIES OF ’85

The PRI, which maintained a continuous grip on power for 71 years and currently ranks third in polling, is acutely aware of the political ramifications seismic events can bring.

PRI President Miguel De La Madrid presided over the country during a devastating earthquake in 1985 that led to thousands of deaths in Mexico City, occurring precisely 32 years before the recent quake. He faced widespread criticism for the government’s response, which exacerbated discontent towards the party’s corrupt and authoritarian practices at the time. In the aftermath, the PRI gradually lost support, ultimately being ousted from power in 2000.

Now, party patrons are hoping that a prompt nationwide response will prevent history from repeating itself.

Governors from the PRI and the Green Party currently lead in Oaxaca and Chiapas, regions severely affected by this month’s initial quake. The PRI also narrowly won a recent gubernatorial contest in the State of Mexico, a long-standing stronghold for the party, where at least 12 fatalities were reported by Wednesday.

Concerns have arisen regarding the distribution of aid, with criticisms that assistance has favored wealthier areas disproportionately. In contrast, regions such as Roma and Condesa in the capital have received the bulk of organized help. Amid a surge of volunteers eager to assist, some expressed frustration over the lack of direction in utilizing resources effectively.

"On the outskirts in the southern part of the city…there is no help arriving; they still don’t even have power," said 34-year-old art professor Camila Morales, who volunteered with a local university group.

On social media, a movement emerged to prevent politicians from exploiting the earthquake for political gain. Following López Obrador’s example, a petition aimed to redirect electoral funds from political parties to aid victims, quickly attracting support from other lawmakers.

Enrique Ochoa, the PRI chairman and a leading opponent of López Obrador, publicly urged political parties to collaborate and discuss how they might donate campaign funds without appearing opportunistic.