The official quick count from the INE has projected Claudia Sheinbaum as the winner of Sunday’s presidential election with between 58.3 and 60.7 percent of the vote.
It put her nearest rival, Xochitl Galvez, who leads a coalition of largely conservative parties, on 26.6-28.8 percent of the vote.
Sheinbaum is the candidate for the ruling Morena party, and wants to succeed her political mentor, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Presidents in Mexico can serve only one six-year term.
The INE quick count projects Claudia Sheinbaum has won the Mexican presidency.
Sheinbaum, the candidate for the ruling Morena Party, has maintained a healthy lead in the polls since the start of her campaign and was widely expected to emerge the winner.
Her victory nonetheless marks a significant milestone for the country.
She not only becomes Mexico’s first female president but also its first president of Jewish heritage.
A scientist as well as a politician, she was part of a team that put together a 2007 climate change report that won the Nobel Peace Prize that year.
Nevertheless, her critics are sceptical that she will bring significant change, whether in environmental policy or women’s rights.
Sheinbaum has said she plans to continue much of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s platform, including his support for state-run oil companies, and feminist groups question whether her policies will adequately address the high levels of violence women face in the country.
The official result will be announced on June 8. [With reports by Al Jazeera]
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