The violent election season in Mexico has claimed the lives of two more candidates, bringing the total number of slain contenders to 17 ahead of the June 2 polls. Noe Ramos Ferretiz, a mayoral candidate seeking re-election in Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas, was found stabbed on a sidewalk, prompting a manhunt for his killer. In the southern state of Oaxaca, Alberto Garcia, running for mayor of San Jose Independencia, was found dead a day after he was reported missing. These deaths have raised concerns about the safety of candidates and the integrity of the electoral process.
Violence linked to organised crime in Mexico has long targeted politicians, particularly those seeking regional positions. Drug cartels often use assassination attempts to control local police or extort money from municipal governments. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has acknowledged that cartels sometimes dictate who will serve as mayor by running their own candidates or eliminating potential rivals. The recent killings have led the government to provide bodyguards for around 250 candidates, with municipal candidates being at the highest risk.
These attacks on candidates have taken a toll on the upcoming elections, with stories of violence and tragedy dominating the headlines. Bertha Gaytan, a candidate for mayor of Celaya, was shot dead on the first day of her campaign in April. The mayor of Churumuco in Michoacan was also shot dead at a taco restaurant in Morelia. In February, two mayoral candidates in Michoacan were killed within hours of each other. The constant threat of violence has created a climate of fear and uncertainty among candidates and voters alike.
Amidst the escalating violence, political parties and electoral boards are condemning the killings and calling for justice. PRI party leader Alejandro Moreno denounced the assassination of Noe Ramos Ferretiz, vowing that violence will not be allowed to interfere in the elections. The state electoral board in Oaxaca condemned the death of Alberto Garcia and emphasized that such crimes should not occur during the electoral process. These statements highlight the seriousness of the situation and the need for a peaceful and fair democratic process.
The election season in Mexico has become a battleground where candidates are not only competing for votes but also fighting for their lives. The government’s decision to provide security for candidates reflects the gravity of the situation and the need to protect those who are willing to serve their communities. With the number of slain candidates continuing to rise, there is a growing sense of urgency to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety of those participating in the electoral process. As Mexico prepares for the upcoming polls, the shadow of violence looms large, casting a dark cloud over the country’s democratic future.
