As Mexicans prepare for their presidential election on Sunday, 2024 has proven to be one of the most violent years for candidates and election officials in the country, with more than 225 killed.
Mexico is grappling with a surge in electoral violence as the country prepares for its upcoming presidential election. Data Cívica, a data analytics firm, has revealed a staggering 235.7% increase in victims of political violence from 2018 to 2023, with 2024 being the most violent year yet.
This alarming trend has cast a dark shadow over the electoral process, leaving candidates and officials fearful for their lives. José Alfredo Cabrera Barrientos, who was running for mayor of Coyuca de Benitez, was brutally murdered in front of his supporters while campaigning. Statistics show that 225 candidates, politicians, or former officials seeking office have been murdered so far.
Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, a candidate for mayor of Mexico City's Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, survived an assassination attempt and blamed the lack of security provided by officials. She highlighted the criminal negligence of the prosecutor's office, accusing it of ignoring her complaints of violence throughout her campaign.
The Mexican government's response to the electoral violence has come under scrutiny. AMLO, the country's president, has dismissed the recent data as "sensationalism" and pointed to a 5% decrease in homicides in 2023 compared to 2022. However, Integralia, a Mexican consulting firm, reports that political violence has claimed 701 victims since September 2023, a significant increase from previous years.
Critics have accused AMLO's administration of failing to adequately address the security crisis and protect victims of violence. Candidate Rojo de la Vega lamented the government's lack of support, stating that she has not received any information about the investigation into her assassination attempt and that her complaints have been ignored.
Political violence in Mexico is deeply intertwined with organized crime. According to Integralia's report, criminal groups interfere in elections through assassinations, attacks, and threats against candidates and officials, as well as by financing campaigns, imposing candidates, and manipulating the voting process.
Six states are considered to be at "highest risk" of interference by organized crime, including Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco, Chiapas, and Morelos. Another nine states are classified as "high risk." Criminal groups seek to control municipal governments to gain access to resources and neutralize rivals.
Despite the daunting challenges, candidates have vowed to address the rampant violence if elected. Leticia Salazar, a candidate for the municipal presidency of Matamoros, said she survived a confrontation between criminals and state police while campaigning. She pledged to bring order to her city, which is plagued by extortion and other crimes.
The upcoming presidential election will be a pivotal moment for Mexico. As the country grapples with the scourge of violence, voters will have to weigh the promises of candidates to restore security and protect the electoral process.
