Mexico has recently been in the spotlight of international news outlets being that president elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), not in office until December 2018, submitted the fate of the new and internationally acclaimed $13 billion airport to popular vote last Monday October 29 2018. The intricacies and technicalities behind the construction of a world class airport alongside future economic impact, far surpass the reach of what we could express in this paper.

For the time being, it is crucial that we focus on the fact that an underwhelming number of citizens an estimated (roughly) one million voted in this popular poll, when in Mexico there are over 129,000,000 citizens, thus the need to question and “see the big picture” arises.

There are elements to argue that a new international airport should be built at current site (important to keep in mind that over 25% of construction is already done) or not. Nonetheless there is national and international unrest due the fact that this underwhelmingly represented popular vote may denote a trend in Mexico’s future presidents’ policy. This would entail legal uncertainty and therefore would be a hindrance for current and future investors and the confidence which a large and dynamic country like Mexico, should guarantee through stability and over all peace.

It is of the utmost importance that outside of news outlets, people see our current reality reflected through the eyes of legality and institutions:

  • AMLO is not yet in office and thereafter not able to make, submit or propose decisions to congress regarding anything yet.
  • Popular vote held last October 29th is in no way legally and constitutionally binding.
  • Popular vote may be helpful for AMLO for a personal decision-making process but in no way constitutes a legal obligation or official declaration.
  • Per Mexican Constitution, popular polls need to be appointed by the president but necessarily through congress (none of these requirements were met).
  • Constitution and legal principles are strict on arbitrary and unilateral measures. Checks and balances are in place as to avoid subjective decisions.
  • Come December, if AMLO does decide to proceed with...