Breathe
By Sonia Garza González
The presidential elections in the United States are on November 5; that is, just a few hours away, and the world is waiting in anticipation, given its status as the world's leading power and because majority popular vote is not used there. Control is subject to the Electoral College, which, according to the National Archives, comprises a group of people known as electors who have the power to elect the president and vice president representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In total, the Electoral College has 538 members, at least 270 of whom are needed to win the presidency.
This process has been highlighted by at least two events: the first was the attack suffered on July 13 in Pennsylvania by Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, who ended up with a wound in his ear. An event that was condemned throughout the country and grabbed the media spotlight. The second was the resignation of Joe Biden, after strong pressure from within his party, which allowed the vice-president, Kamala Harris, to become the presidential contender of the Democrats. Harris is the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States and the first African-American and Asian-American to hold the office.
It is not my intention to list the pros and cons of both candidates, but to join the voices that recognize that the outcome of these elections has a global impact on economic, diplomatic, migratory, human rights and world peace issues. At this moment, there are international conflicts (the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the latent struggle with its rival China over its incisive policy of aggression towards Taiwan) in which the United States is accused of tipping the balance.
While we are aware of Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric and threat to tighten immigration policies towards Mexico and Central America, this issue is so complex that even if Kamala Harris wins, it generates more controversy than solutions, no matter how you look at it.
According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), this region receives 38% of foreign direct investment from the U.S. What will the new terms of trade be like, whoever wins?
On the thorny issue of drug trafficking, both candidates are willing to "fight" criminal organizations with the full weight of the law.
Regarding U.S.-Mexico trade relations, whoever becomes president will obviously not fail to foster more favorable conditions for U.S. investors. Despite our competencies, skills and talents, there is no level playing field in multiple scenarios.
Given the proximity and historical relationship with the United States, let's be honest: there is no political or governance affinity with Mexico in sight. For our country there is a latent risk if Kamala Harris wins, but if Trump is favored, we will face an avalanche of constant threats.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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