Mexico

In 2000, The Carter Center observed the first Mexican presidential election in 71 years that marked a change in the ruling party.

A former Spanish colony, Mexico gained its independence in the 19th century but has since struggled to distribute the wealth of the nation's natural resources equitably, leaving an affluent elite and masses of people living in poverty. There is hope in the eyes of those spared suffering from river blindness and in the voice of disenfranchised citizens whose votes are now truly being heard. The Carter Center has worked for more than a decade to help the Mexican people enjoy better health and deepen democratic practices, building hope for a prosperous national future.

Waging Peace

In July 2000, a Carter Center delegation, led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Bolivia President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, witnessed a historic transition of power ending 71 years of rule by one party. As election observers for more than a decade in Mexico, the Carter Center's Americas Program and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas were honored to have been invited to observe an internationally significant presidential race alongside major Mexican political parties and the government.

Read full text on the Carter Center's peace work in Mexico >

Fighting Disease

Latin America has made great strides to control river blindness, so that now, provided treatment and health education initiatives continue, permanent blindness from the disease is no longer a threat. Yet, until two decades ago, those who suffered from this painful and devastating disease had no hope for treatment.

Read full text on the Carter Center's health work in Mexico >