The violence surrounding the upcoming elections in Mexico has claimed the life of yet another candidate, Jorge Huerta Cabrera, who was shot dead two days before the polls. The incident occurred during a political rally in Izucar de Matamoros, where Cabrera was running for local office. His wife and a colleague were also injured in the attack, which was captured on video and showed chaos erupting at the rally. This latest killing brings the total number of murdered candidates in the 2024 election season to 37, surpassing the 36 candidates killed during the 2021 midterm election. Despite conflicting reports, Integralia, a security consultancy, has documented 828 non-lethal attacks on candidates during the current election season.
The escalating violence in Mexico’s election campaigns has raised concerns about the safety and security of candidates and the democratic process. Organized crime and drug cartels often target politicians to control local police and extort money from municipal governments. Eduardo Bohorquez, the head of Transparency International Mexico, pointed to the collusion between corrupt politicians and criminal organizations as a major driver of political violence in the country. He emphasized the importance of controlling political positions for illegal forces, which can easily finance and manipulate candidates for their own gain.
The issue of violent crime has taken center stage in Mexico’s presidential contest, with the governing party facing criticism over the country’s persistently high murder rate. The opposition has seized on the bloodshed to call for change, while governing party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to win Sunday’s vote and become Mexico’s first female president. Tackling cartel violence and addressing the rampant crime plaguing the country will be among the key challenges for the incoming administration. Candidates like Rene Valencia, a mayoral hopeful, have criticized the government’s reluctance to combat crime, citing the profitability and corruption that crime generates for authorities.
The recent killing of a mayoral candidate in Guerrero state highlights the pervasive threats faced by candidates and election officials in Mexico. Despite the government providing security guards to over 500 candidates and officials due to ongoing threats, the violence and intimidation continue to cast a shadow over the electoral process. As campaigning comes to a close, concerns about the safety of candidates and the impact of organized crime on the political landscape loom large. The country’s effort to address the root causes of political violence and create a safe environment for democratic participation remains a pressing challenge for the future.
