Alfredo Cabrera, a mayoral candidate in Guerrero state, Mexico, was shot dead at a campaign rally just days before the upcoming elections. The murder, captured in a video where the assailant approached and shot Cabrera multiple times at close range, is the latest in a series of violent attacks targeting candidates. The death toll leading up to the June 2 polls has been steadily rising, with at least 22 local office candidates killed since last September. This surge in violence has raised concerns about the safety and security of those involved in the election process.
Cabrera was aligned with an opposition coalition supporting Xochitl Galvez, a senator and businesswoman with Indigenous roots, who is currently polling second in the presidential race. Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado condemned the murder as “cowardly” and called for a swift investigation and justice for the perpetrator. The alleged attacker was killed on the spot, according to the prosecutor’s office. Political assassinations by drug cartels aiming to control local authorities or extort money from municipal governments have been a recurring issue in Mexico. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador acknowledged the influence of cartels in determining mayoral elections, either by backing their own candidates or eliminating potential competition.
The escalating violence has led the government to provide bodyguards for around 250 candidates, with those running for municipal positions being at the highest risk. However, critics argue that the security measures have been inadequate, with the opposition accusing the government of failing to ensure the safety of candidates. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) called out the government for not taking sufficient steps to protect candidates, especially those at the local level who are most vulnerable to attacks. To address the security concerns, approximately 27,000 soldiers and National Guard members will be deployed to reinforce security during the upcoming elections, particularly in regions where violence is most prevalent.
The series of killings leading up to the elections highlights the dangerous political landscape in Mexico, where cartels wield significant influence and violence is frequently used to suppress opposition and control local governance. The assassination of Cabrera and other candidates has stirred fears among politicians and voters, raising questions about the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. The government’s response to the escalating violence, including the deployment of additional security forces, has been seen as a necessary but insufficient measure to guarantee a safe and free election. With the election just days away, concerns about potential violence and intimidation loom large, casting a shadow over the democratic process in Mexico.
