Mexico Moves to Bar Dual Nationals From Top Offices

Mexico City — Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform in general terms that would require sole Mexican nationality of anyone seeking the presidency, a governorship or the Mexico City government’s top post.

The measure passed with 344 votes in favor, 116 against and one abstention. Lawmakers continued debating the fine print, meaning the legislative process has not yet concluded in the lower house.

The proposal amends Articles 82, 116 and 122 of the Constitution to require that candidates for those offices give up any other nationality before registering to run.

Once in office, they would also be barred from acquiring or applying for another nationality, using foreign passports or identity documents, exercising political rights tied to another citizenship, or seeking diplomatic protection from another country.

Rules Would Apply From 2028

According to the draft, the reform would not affect current governors or the sitting president, and its new provisions would take effect starting with the 2028 electoral cycle.

During the debate, the ruling Morena party argued that those who lead the executive branches must maintain exclusive legal ties to Mexico.

Opposition lawmakers countered that dual nationality should not become a barrier to holding public office. Legislators from the PAN and PRI warned of possible harm to Mexicans living abroad and questioned whether holding another nationality should be read as a lack of loyalty to the country.

The debate also touched on the practical reach of the new requirement, particularly the obligation to prove renunciation of a second nationality before a candidacy is registered. The legal discussion includes the procedures that would have to be established to make such a renunciation effective.

President Claudia Sheinbaum sent the initiative to Congress in late August. The executive branch said at the time that the change seeks to establish an exclusive bond with Mexico for those who hold the presidency, a governorship or the Mexico City government.

The constitutional reform must still complete its legislative process and then move to the Senate. Because it amends the Constitution, it requires a qualified majority in both chambers and approval by a majority of state legislatures.

If enacted, the change would alter the requirements for competing for the country’s main executive offices, though it would not eliminate dual nationality as a general condition for other elected posts such as federal deputies, senators or municipal presidencies.