Mexico's bloody election

The 2024 election cycle in Mexico is shaping up to be one of the most violent in the country's history. Political violence has escalated significantly, with organized crime playing a substantial role in targeting candidates and influencing election outcomes. Till date of publication, nearly 30 candidates have been murdered, and many more have faced threats and kidnappings. This violence is not just limited to high-profile races; it affects local elections as well, particularly in regions where criminal groups are deeply entrenched, such as Michoacán, Jalisco, and Morelos.

On 28^th May the Mayoral candidate of Jalisco was shot multiple times in his office by intruders. Members of his staff were also hospitalized.

An alternate candidate in Morelos Ricardo Arizmendi was apparently shot 5 times in the head by attackers on a motorcycle

The violence is driven by several factors. Organized crime groups seek to maintain or expand their influence by controlling local governments, often resorting to assassinations and intimidation to secure political capital and protect their operations. This period of political upheaval often sees spikes in violence, especially in areas where incumbent candidates are weaker and more vulnerable to being unseated.

In addition to the direct attacks on political figures, there have been numerous instances where family members of politicians have been targeted, further amplifying the climate of fear and coercion. This environment of impunity and corruption significantly undermines the democratic process, as many candidates withdraw from races due to threats, and voter turnout is negatively impacted by the pervasive violence.

The impact of this violence extends beyond the immediate election cycle. It erodes public trust in democratic institutions and skews electoral outcomes, potentially giving more power to criminal organizations over legitimate political actors. This ongoing issue highlights the critical need for effective measures to protect political candidates and ensure free and fair elections in Mexico