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President Sheinbaum Enacts Single Nationality Requirement for Top Political Posts
Mexico City, October 7, 2026 – President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on Wednesday signed a decree enacting a constitutional reform that will require candidates for the Presidency of Mexico, state governorships, and the Head of Government of Mexico City to hold solely Mexican nationality. This significant change will come into effect for the electoral processes beginning in 2028.
The reform, which amends Articles 82, 116, and 122 of the Constitution, mandates that any individual with dual nationality wishing to run for these high offices must renounce their other nationality prior to registering as a candidate. This measure aims to ensure full commitment to the nation from its highest leaders.
The Rationale Behind the Reform
During her morning press conference on October 7, President Sheinbaum emphasized the core principle behind the reform. “Today we signed the constitutional reform decree that reaffirms something fundamental for our nation: those who have the responsibility to lead the destiny of Mexico from the Presidency of the Republic, governorships, or the Head of Government must be solely Mexican. Because serving Mexico from its highest responsibilities demands a single nationality and a full commitment to our homeland,” she stated.
The reform received approval from both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, as well as 22 state legislatures, underscoring broad political consensus on the issue.
What the Decree Stipulates for Dual Nationals
Luisa María Alcalde, the Legal Advisor to the Federal Executive, clarified the implications for individuals holding dual nationality. She explained that such individuals are not barred from competing for these positions, provided they formally renounce their second nationality before submitting their registration as candidates to the National Electoral Institute (INE).
“It is a reform that, as the transitory articles establish, applies from 2028, and establishes as a necessary requirement for any person who wants to register as a candidate for President of the Republic, governor, or Head of Government, that they must necessarily – prior to INE registration – if they have dual nationality, renounce it. So that they only have Mexican nationality,” Alcalde detailed.
Impact on Aspirants for Head of Government of Mexico City
For those eyeing the Head of Government position in Mexico City, the reform specifically modifies Article 122 of the Constitution. The new text mandates: “The Political Constitution of Mexico City shall establish the powers of the Head of Government and the requirements that must be met by whoever aspires to occupy said office. In any case, it will be required to be a Mexican citizen by birth and not to have or acquire another nationality and, if possessing one, to renounce it prior to requesting registration as a candidate in the terms established by law.”
Furthermore, the restriction extends beyond the electoral process. The decree also states: “Whoever holds the office may not acquire or request another nationality, nor invoke before a foreign authority a nationality other than Mexican.”
Requirements for Presidential Candidates
The reform also amends Article 82 of the Constitution, which outlines the qualifications for the Presidency. The revised article now requires: “To be a Mexican citizen by birth, in full enjoyment of their rights, son or daughter of Mexican father or mother; not to have or acquire another nationality and, if possessing one, to renounce it prior to requesting registration as a candidate in the terms established by law, and to have resided in the country for at least twenty years.”
Similar to the Head of Government position, the President of Mexico will be prohibited from acquiring or requesting any other nationality during their term. The decree also forbids “the use of a passport or identity document issued by a foreign State, the exercise of political rights inherent to citizenship before it, and recourse to its diplomatic protection.”
New Rules for State Governors
Regarding state governorships, the decree modifies Article 116 of the Constitution. The provision now states: “Only a Mexican citizen by birth who does not have or acquire another nationality and, if possessing one, renounces it prior to requesting registration as a candidate in the terms established by law, as well as being a native of said State, or with effective residence of no less than five years immediately prior to the day of the elections, and being 30 years of age on the day of the election, or less, if so established by the Political Constitution of the Federal Entity, may be a constitutional governor of a State.”
This ensures that all individuals aspiring to govern a federal entity must also exclusively hold Mexican nationality, in addition to meeting established residency and age requirements.
Implementation Timeline
While the decree was published on October 7, 2026, in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), its full implementation has specific dates:
- October 8, 2026: The decree officially enters into force.
- 2028 Electoral Processes: The new nationality requirement for candidacies will begin to be applied.
The Congress of the Union has been granted a 90-calendar-day period from the decree’s entry into force to make necessary adjustments to the Nationality Law and electoral legislation. Similarly, federal entities have the same timeframe to harmonize their respective constitutions and electoral laws with these new provisions.
Source: https://www.chilango.com/noticias/aspirantes-jefatura-de-gobierno-presidencia-gubernaturas-no-podran-tener-doble-nacionalidad-esto-dice-decreto/amp
