On Tuesday night, Gilberto Palomar, a mayoral candidate in Jalisco, was shot multiple times by attackers who broke into his campaign office. Two members of his campaign staff were also injured in the attack. All three victims are in serious condition at a hospital, as per the Jalisco state security coordinator Sanchez Beruben.
Election Day Approaches Amid Violence
Mexicans will vote on Sunday in historic elections that will shape the nation’s future. These elections are focused on issues like gender equality, democracy, and populism. However, the election period has been marred by violence from criminal cartels.
For the first time in Mexico’s history, the nation is likely to elect a female president. This is a significant milestone in a country traditionally known for its “macho” culture. The two leading candidates in the presidential race are women.
Thousands of Positions Up for Election
As per the National Electoral Institute, more than 20,000 congressional and local positions will be decided in these elections. This includes a wide range of roles across the nation.
On the same day as the Jalisco attack, an alternate mayoral candidate, Ricardo Arizmendi, was killed in Morelos state, just south of Mexico City. State prosecutors reported that Arizmendi was shot five times in the head by attackers on a motorcycle in the city of Cuautla.
Alternate candidates like Arizmendi take office if the original winner is unable to serve due to incapacitation or resignation. This makes their roles crucial in the political landscape.
Rising Violence Against Candidates
This year, about 27 candidates, mostly running for mayor or town councils, have been killed. Although this number is not much higher than in previous elections, the nature of the attacks has changed.
Previously, candidates were targeted in individual attacks. Now, entire campaign events are being attacked with gunfire, increasing the danger for everyone involved.
As Mexicans prepare to vote, the shadow of cartel violence looms over the elections. These historic elections, which could see the nation’s first female president, are also marked by unprecedented levels of violence against candidates and campaign events.
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