Las Lomas, Mexico – The Mexican campaign season ended on a tragic note as a mayoral candidate was shot dead at a rally, just days before the country was set to elect its first female president. This disturbing incident brought the total number of murdered candidates to at least 23 in what has been a violent electoral process in Mexico.
The victim, Alfredo Cabrera, a mayoral candidate for an opposition coalition, was gunned down in Guerrero, causing chaos and panic among rally attendees. The state prosecutor’s office reported that the alleged assailant was killed at the scene, with three people injured and two others detained.
Cabrera’s killing was recorded on camera, showing him smiling and surrounded by supporters before being shot multiple times. His death came on the heels of another mayoral candidate’s murder in Morelos state and the injury of another candidate in Jalisco state the day before.
This violent trend has continued throughout the campaign season, with nine people killed in Chiapas, including two mayoral candidates who survived the attacks. Additionally, a mayoral candidate in La Concordia, along with a minor, was ambushed and killed after a campaign rally. These incidents underscore the dangerous environment in which candidates are operating.
As Mexico prepares to elect its next leader, the issue of cartel violence remains a pressing concern. Over 450,000 people have been murdered since the government launched its campaign against drug trafficking in 2006. The incoming president will also need to address migration and navigate complex relations with the United States.
Despite the challenges ahead, frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum, from the ruling Morena party, holds a commanding lead in the polls. She has pledged to continue her predecessor’s social programs and focus on tackling crime at its roots. On the other hand, center-right senator Xochitl Galvez, with Indigenous roots, is positioning herself as a candidate who will take a tougher stance on cartel-related violence.
As election day approaches, tensions are high, with thousands gathering to support their chosen candidates. The outcome of the election will not only shape Mexico’s future but also determine how the country addresses its ongoing security challenges. Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez reported that 22 candidates had been killed since September, pointing to a troubling pattern of violence against those seeking public office.
With nearly 100 million people eligible to vote and a record number of offices up for grabs, the upcoming elections will have far-reaching implications for Mexico’s political landscape. As the nation prepares to choose its next leaders, the specter of violence looms large, underscoring the urgent need for change and stability in Mexico.