Mexico’s June 2 election of its first female, and first Jewish, president was historic. But it’s hardly a cause of celebration.

Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and academic who previously served as head of government (mayor) of Mexico City, won 60 per cent of the vote as the candidate for the left-wing populist party Morena. She easily defeated her closest rival, Xóchitl Gálvez of the right-leaning National Action Party, who garnered 27.5 per cent.