As Mexico gears up for its presidential election, security and immigration have emerged as key issues dominating the campaign trail. The lead-up to the election has been marred by numerous assassination attempts and political violence, leading to fears among candidates for their safety. Some candidates have even withdrawn from the race due to concerns over their lives.
Electoral violence is just one facet of Mexico's broader security crisis, characterized by alarmingly high crime and homicide rates. During President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's tenure, the country witnessed 160,594 homicides in the first four and a half years, surpassing the figures from the previous administration.
Despite these grim statistics, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The Mexican Peace Index, compiled by the Institute for Economy and Peace, has highlighted improvements in key indicators such as homicides, crimes with violence, fear of violence, crimes committed with firearms, and crimes of violence. The report indicates a decline in homicides and crimes involving firearms since their peak in 2019.
However, Mexico faces mounting pressure on its southern and northern borders. In 2023, the National Migration Institute reported a 77% surge in migrant arrivals compared to the previous year. This influx of migrants and asylum seekers crossing Mexican territory poses a significant challenge for the country, necessitating a response to both internal and external migration policies.