New rules regarding gender equity in Jalisco’s state and municipal elections appear to have paid off with 31 women – a record number – elected to mayorships.
Political parties in the state were obliged to name a 50-50, male-female split on their list of candidates in the July 1 elections. Although some critics complained that many women were chosen as “token” candidates in races they never had a chance of winning, the new policy seems to have worked to some degree.
Up until this election, only 29 female mayors had ever been elected in Jalisco in its entire history. That number was surpassed in a single election following the new policy, a fact that was highlighted by Beatriz Rangel, a committee member of Jalisco Electoral Institute (IEPC).
“It’s a quantum leap,” Rangel said.
Meanwhile, in the new Jalisco state legislature, women will comprise 15 of the 38-member chamber – 39.4 percent of the total. However, this is one less than the current number serving in the chamber – 16.