The importance of presidential debates

Recently, I had the pleasure of participating as analyst at a table organized around the presidential debate, transmitted through the digital platforms of this medium. I am deeply grateful to him newspaper The Debate for having extended this valuable invitation to me. This experience gave me the opportunity to share my vision about the current state of Electoral campaigns and my expectations about debates.

Despite the considerable investment and organization behind the presidential debates in Mexicothese have not managed to significantly influence the electoral preferences. The format prevents genuine dialogue between candidates and an in-depth discussion on the proposals, its costs and expected results. Furthermore, although 11.6 million people over the age of 18 watched the debatethis represents a relatively low percentage considering that the electoral roll It is 100 million voters.

Although presidential debates in Mexico They do not always directly change electoral preferences, they significantly impact post-debate strategies. The candidates transfer the debate discussions to other platforms such as analysis tables and social networks in order to continue generating conversation about it, seeking to expand their influence among voters. This strategic approach is vital to building and maintaining a perception of victory, as it allows candidates to reinforce their messages and clarify their positions, thus strengthening their image of leadership and viability before the electorate.

The influence of the debates seems to be limited to improving or worsening the exposure of a candidate and its positioning, but it is not enough to induce a change in voters’ choice from one candidate to another. This is because the majority of those who watch the debates have already decided who they are going to vote for. However, the debates provide a window that allows building greater knowledge in society, and there are candidates, such as that of Jorge Álvarez Máynez of Citizen Movement, who benefit from this opportunity.

Another aspect that diminishes the importance of the debates is the content presented by the candidates themselves. In my opinion, the three presidential debates have been insufficient, characterized by empty content and a lack of clarity to respond to specific points. The candidates have shown little knowledge about the real problems faced by citizens, and in some cases, their interventions seem more like a report of activities than a debate. In addition, numerous inaccuracies have been observed in terms of data and statistics, as well as evasion of specific questions, which further reduces the effectiveness of these meetings as tools for democratic dialogue.

It is unfortunate that, in a context where democracy should encourage open discussion and the exchange of ideas, presidential debates have become a missed opportunity for genuine and constructive dialogue. As we move toward future elections, it will be crucial to reconsider how these meetings can be transformed to truly inform and empower the Mexican electorate. In essence, debates should serve not just as spectacle, but as an important forum for democratic deliberation and informed decision-making. By the way, remember that voting is a right but also a responsibility; so go out and vote this Sunday, June 2.

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Alexandro Méndez is director of the business initiative “Somos Grandes”, which seeks to empower, educate and revalue the role of entrepreneurs in Mexico. He has a doctorate in Public Administration from the Universidad Anáhuac del Norte and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Universidad del Valle de México, as well as a degree in Psychology from the University of the West. He is a subject professor at different universities. He has held various positions, such as Government Relations Manager and Coordinator of Plantes Azteca within Fundación Azteca. In public administration, he has stood out as corporate deputy director of Liaison with Organizations and Agents of the Rural Sector at the National Development Finance Company (SHCP), and as director of Delegational Operations at Sedesol. He is originally from Los Mochis, where he was head of the Revenue Office. He was an advisor in the Sinaloa State Congress, a position that he also held in the Hydraulic Resources Commission of the LXI Legislature of the Chamber of Deputies.

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