Rising Electoral Violence in Mexico
In recent developments, Mexico has witnessed a disturbing surge in electoral violence as several political candidates have been targeted and assassinated. The most recent victim is José Alfredo Cabrera, a candidate for mayor from the Fuerza y Corazón por México coalition in Coyuca de Benítez, Guerrero. Cabrera was murdered on the final day of his electoral campaign. The assassination, captured on video, shows Cabrera greeting attendees before being shot by an individual who subsequently died at the scene in a hail of gunfire.
The governor of Guerrero, Evelyn Salgado, has condemned the attack and urged state authorities to ensure the full weight of the law is applied to those responsible. This tragic event is part of a broader pattern, as several other candidates have also been attacked or killed in recent days. Ricardo Arizmendi Reynoso, a substitute candidate in Morelos, was shot dead in another attack, while Gilberto Palomar, a mayoral candidate in Jalisco, was hospitalized following a violent attack.
Largest Elections in Mexican History
These incidents are occurring in the context of what is being described as the largest elections in Mexican history, set to take place on June 2. The ballot will include not just the presidential election but also the renewal of the Parliament and Senate, the election of nine governors out of 32 states, and numerous local elections. In total, 99 million voters are registered, and 20,000 positions are up for grabs.
Drug cartels and criminal organizations have been exerting influence by attempting to 'impose candidates' on local elections, as stated by Victor Serrato, the prosecutor for electoral crimes in the state of Michoacan. The cartels' modus operandi involves selecting a candidate and intimidating or eliminating rivals, thus orchestrating the local political landscape to their advantage.
In response to this unprecedented wave of violence, the Mexican government has announced the deployment of 27,000 soldiers and members of the National Guard to ensure the security of polling stations nationwide. This measure aims to safeguard the integrity of the election process and protect voters and candidates alike.
- Evelyn Salgado, Governor of Guerrero, has urged for swift and decisive action following the murder of José Alfredo Cabrera to combat impunity and restore public confidence in the state's ability to ensure safety during elections.
- The attack on Alfredo Cabrera is part of a broader pattern of violence that has marred the current electoral cycle in Mexico. The government’s strategy includes deploying a significant number of military personnel to maintain order and reassure the populace.
- Local news portals, like Quadratin Guerrero, are disseminating videos and reports to keep the public informed about the violent incidents that are taking place, highlighting the need for increased security and oversight in the run-up to the elections.
