Mexico: Pre-election violence kills over 78 politicians /update 1

Event

Political violence in Mexico has resulted in the murders of at least 78 politicians, including candidates for the upcoming July elections, between September 2017 and April 2018. Officials estimate that organized crime is behind at least 80 percent of the assassinations and list Guerrero , Oaxaca, Pueblo, Veracruz, and México as the most dangerous states for politicians. In addition to the fatalities, at least 173 armed attacks against politicians have occurred since September in more than 160 municipalities across the country. Further election-related violence is anticipated leading up to the July 1 elections.

Context

The campaign period for the upcoming general elections officially began on March 30. On July 1, up to 88 million Mexicans will head to the polls to choose their next president and to fill various federal, state, and local government positions. With 3400 posts to be filled, it will be the largest election in Mexico’s history. Four candidates are vying for the presidential office. The current favorite is Andres Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) of the leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA). The official campaign period will end on June 27.

Advice

Individuals in Mexico are advised to avoid all demonstrations and political rallies as a precaution and keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate.

Due to extreme levels of violence linked to the presence of various armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, notably the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas and the northeastern border with the US.