Today's historic election in Mexico has been marred by a wave of shocking political violence, with dozens of candidates falling victim to targeted attacks in the lead-up to the vote. The latest incident saw a mayoral candidate fatally shot in the head in broad daylight on the last day of campaigning, despite having security personnel present.
This tragic event is just one in a series of political killings that have plagued Mexico in recent months, with over 20 reported cases in September alone. According to consultancy firm Integralia, at least 34 candidates have been murdered, making this election one of the most violent in Mexican history.
Experts point to organized crime as a major factor behind the surge in political violence, with criminal groups seeking to exert control over local economies and influence election outcomes. While Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has acknowledged the rise in murders under his administration, critics argue that his social programs have failed to address the root causes of insecurity.
Despite efforts to ensure voter safety, security analysts warn that many citizens may choose to abstain from voting due to the pervasive threat of violence in certain regions. The personal toll of political violence is evident in the story of mayoral candidate Jesus Corona, who survived an assassination attempt earlier this year.
Integralia reports that over 700 individuals connected to political candidates have been targeted with threats, kidnappings, extortion, and other crimes since the start of the campaign season. This alarming trend underscores the challenges facing Mexico as it grapples with the intersection of politics and criminality.
