The violence surrounding Mexico’s upcoming elections reached a tragic peak with the killing of local candidate Jorge Huerta Cabrera just two days before the polls. Cabrera was shot dead at a political rally in Izucar de Matamoros, Puebla state, with his wife and colleague wounded in the attack. This incident brings the total number of assassinated candidates in the 2024 election season to 37, surpassing the previous record of 36 killings during the 2021 midterm elections. The federal government reported 22 candidates killed as of Tuesday, with three more deaths recorded since then.
The latest wave of violence in Mexico’s political landscape has seen 828 non-lethal attacks on candidates during the current election season, showing a significant spike in violence as election day approaches. Drug cartels have been known to target politicians in an attempt to control local law enforcement and extort money from municipal governments, leading to a dangerous environment for those seeking public office. The country has a long history of violence linked to organised crime, particularly against politicians from various parties vying for regional positions.
The issue of violent crime has become a central focus of this year’s presidential contest in Mexico, with the governing party of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador facing scrutiny over the country’s persistently high murder rate. Claudia Sheinbaum, the governing party’s candidate, is expected to win Sunday’s vote and become Mexico’s first female president. Her main rival, Xochitl Galvez, is also campaigning on a platform of addressing cartel violence that plagues the country. Tackling cartel-related violence, which leads to daily occurrences of murder and kidnapping, will be a key challenge for the winner of the election.
The connection between political corruption and organised crime has been highlighted by Transparency International Mexico, pointing to a system where illegal forces finance and control political positions to further their agendas. Corrupt politicians and criminal organizations seek to influence elections and control government offices to advance their illegal activities, leading to a cycle of violence and exploitation in the country. In the recent wave of attacks against candidates, the pattern of violence indicates a struggle for power and control over political positions in various regions of Mexico.
Candidates and election officials in Mexico face persistent threats of violence, with over 500 individuals provided with security guards by the government for their protection. The dangers surrounding political campaigns have led to tragic incidents like the shooting of a mayoral candidate in Guerrero state at a campaign rally. Despite the risks involved, candidates continue to participate in the electoral process, hoping to bring change and address the issues of violence and corruption that plague Mexican society. As millions of Mexicans prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming elections, the country faces a crucial moment of deciding the future direction and leadership that will guide them through these challenging times.
