Mexico: Pre-election violence kills over 82 politicians as of early May /update 2

Event

Political violence in Mexico has resulted in the murders of at least 82 politicians, including candidates for the upcoming July elections, between September 2017 and early May 2018. During the first week of May alone, five politicians were killed; two murders reportedly took place in Chihuahua, one in Tenango del Aire, one in Hidalgo, and one in Jalisco. The victims hail from a variety of political parties, with most running for local offices. Officials believe that warring cartels are behind much of the violence as they attempt to gain influence over city governments nationwide. Federal and state governments have begun increasing security, providing many candidates with bodyguards and, in some cases, bullet-proof vehicles, but the measures have so far proven largely ineffective.

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, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to avoid all demonstrations and political rallies as a precaution, report all suspicious objects and behavior to the authorities, 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, as well as the northeastern border with the US.