28 May 2024 | 09:10 PM UTC
Mexico: Heightened security and localized disruptions likely through June 2 general election
Heightened security, localized business and transport disruptions likely through Mexico's June 2 general elections.
Authorities will likely maintain an increased security posture across Mexico through the nation's June 2 general election. Voting will take place 08:00-18:00 at polling stations across the country. The current campaign season has been one of the most violent in Mexico's history, with 63 people having been killed in campaign-related violence, including 30 candidates. Security will almost certainly be particularly tight in Colima, Chiapas, Guerrero, Jalisco, Morelos, and Michoacan, all of which are states where drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) compete for influence and which have seen particularly pronounced election-related violence.
Security measures on election day will likely prompt road closures, particularly near polling stations, and disrupt travel and business operations. Such disruptions could extend into at least early June 3. Election-related civil unrest also remains possible, and clashes cannot be ruled out.
If operating in Mexico, exercise increased caution through at least June 2, particularly near large gatherings and in the proximity of polling stations. Allow extra time to reach destinations. Avoid any demonstrations as a precaution. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Confirm all business appointments.
The 2024 elections will be the largest in Mexican history, with nearly 100 million people registered to elect more than 20,000 officials, including the president, the 128 members of the Senate, the 500 members of the Chamber of Deputies, nine of the 32 governorships, and the mayor of Mexico City.
In the presidential election, former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbum of the National Regeneration Movement (Movimiento de Regeneracion National, Morena) is favored to win. Sheinbum's main rival is Xochitl Galvez of the Strength and Heart for Mexico (Fuerza y Corazon por Mexico) opposition bloc. Jorge Alvarez Maynez of the Citizen's Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) is also running but less represented in the voting bloc. The winning presidential candidate will be sworn into office on Oct. 1.
