More candidates have been murdered in the run-up to Mexico’s elections than ever before in the country’s recent history. According to the Public Prosecution Service, candidate Jorge Huerta Cabera was shot dead during an election rally on Friday. He had run for a seat in the municipal council of the city of Izucar de Matamoros. According to security advisor Integralia, 37 candidates were murdered on Sunday before the elections.
There have also been 828 attacks that were not fatal – almost 80 of them since the beginning of this week. Experts point out that Mexico’s mix of powerful drug cartels and often corrupt local governments increases the danger for political candidates.
Personal protection for candidates
560 candidates and election workers received personal protection during the election campaign due to repeated threats. But that didn’t always help. Just earlier this week, a candidate for mayor of the southern state of Guerrero was shot at close range during the election campaign, despite personal protection.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the candidate of the left-populist Morena government alliance, is widely expected to be elected president in Sunday’s elections. In the polls she is well ahead of opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez. This would be the first time in Mexico’s history that a woman would head the country.
Obrador is being replaced
According to the constitution, incumbent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is not allowed to run again. Obrador remains very popular in Mexico. This is in large part due to his social policies, which have helped the country’s poor. He groomed Sheinbaum as his successor.
About 100 million Mexicans can vote on Sunday. In addition to the presidency, there is Congress. In addition, the governments of nine states and more than 20,000 public offices will be redefined.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
