Elections in Mexico, 1828

Abstract In 1828, Mexico first attempted to transfer authority from one head of state to another through elections based on the 1824 constitution. Two veterans of the Independence War were the main contenders for the presidency. Manuel Gómez Pedraza belonged to a prominent family in Querétaro. Vicente Guerrero had his base among the indigenous and Afro-Mexican populations southwest of Mexico City. Guerrero was one of the best-known leaders of the independence movement. Public pronouncements and private speculation placed Guerrero as the favorite. The electoral system failed to survive the aftermath of a surprising outcome. Gómez Pedraza appeared to have a razor-thin victory but never took office. He capitulated to Guerrero and left the country. Under armed threat, the national congress recognized Guerrero. He was inaugurated in early 1829. By December 1829, Guerrero himself was driven from office by an armed rebellion, a pattern repeated with distressing frequency during the next half-century.