The recent killing of mayoral candidate Bertha Gaytán in Mexico highlights the ongoing violence and danger surrounding politics in the country, particularly in the state of Guanajuato. Gaytán, a candidate for mayor of a city in Guanajuato, was shot to death while campaigning on the streets. This incident is just one of many in the lead-up to Mexico’s June 2 elections, where at least 14 candidates have been killed since the start of 2024. The violence in Guanajuato is alarming, with the state having the highest number of homicides in Mexico, and the city of Celaya being one of the most dangerous places for police officers in North America.
Guanajuato has been plagued by violent turf battles between drug cartels and gangs, with the Jalisco drug cartel and the Santa Rosa de Lima gang being two prominent players. The state has seen an alarming number of police officers being shot to death, with about 60 officers killed in 2023 alone, surpassing the total number of police officer deaths in the United States. The ongoing violence in the region is a cause for concern not only for local residents but for politicians and candidates as well, as evidenced by the killing of multiple mayoral candidates in recent months.
The violence in Guanajuato is part of a larger trend of violence against politicians in Mexico. Recent incidents include the shooting death of the mayor of Churumuco in Michoacan, as well as the killings of two mayoral hopefuls in a town in the same state. These targeted attacks on politicians and candidates highlight the dangerous environment in which they operate, with the risk of violence being a constant threat. The killings of political figures also have broader implications for the upcoming elections in Mexico, as voters and candidates grapple with the impact of the violence on the electoral process.
The political landscape in Mexico is further complicated by the upcoming elections, which will decide the successor of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as well as many state and municipal posts. López Obrador’s party, Morena, has been the target of violence, with Gaytán being a member of the party. The killings of candidates from Morena and other parties raise concerns about the safety of those participating in the electoral process, as well as the overall stability of the country. The violence leading up to the elections underscores the challenges facing Mexico in addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The Mexican government faces a daunting task in addressing the escalating violence and insecurity in the country, particularly in regions like Guanajuato that are heavily affected by drug cartel activities. The ongoing conflicts between rival cartels and gangs pose a significant threat to public safety and the stability of the region, with politicians and candidates bearing the brunt of the violence. The killings of political figures underline the need for comprehensive security measures and strategies to address the root causes of violence in Mexico, and ensure the safety of those participating in the electoral process. As the June 2 elections approach, the Mexican government must prioritize the protection of candidates and voters to prevent further tragedies like the killing of Bertha Gaytán and others from occurring.
