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Violent Attacks Cast Shadow on Upcoming Mexican Elections
Two mayoral candidates were shot within hours of each other.
In the city of Maravatío, Mexico, the upcoming June 2 national elections are marred by a disturbing wave of violence as two mayoral candidates were brutally gunned down within hours of each other. The incidents, underscoring the growing influence of drug cartels in Mexican politics, have raised concerns among experts, who warn that the 2024 elections could become the most violent in the country’s history. The campaigns have yet to officially commence, but the recent killings have left the community in shock and prompted increased security measures around city hall.
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The victims, Armando Pérez Luna and Miguel Ángel Zavala, both aspiring mayors, were associated with the conservative National Action Party and the ruling Morena party, respectively. State prosecutors reported that Pérez Luna was found shot to death in his car just before midnight, while Zavala met a similar fate earlier the same day. The circumstances surrounding the killings point towards organized crime, according to Maravatío Mayor Jaime Hinojosa Campa.
Maravatío resident Carmen Luna expressed her shock at the incomprehensible crime, stating that there seemed to be no justification for such violence. She described Zavala, a gynecologist, as an excellent doctor and ruled out any personal motive for the killing. Luna, like many others, feels a sense of anger and powerlessness, emphasizing the need for government intervention.
The National Action Party’s leader, Marko Cortés, took to social media to denounce the violence, describing it as an illustration of the serious level of danger ahead of the crucial elections. The Morena party also condemned the act as a cowardly and reprehensible act. The state of Michoacan, where Maravatío is located, has witnessed heightened gang turf wars, particularly involving the Jalisco New Generation cartel and local gangs.
Political violence has escalated in the region, with watchdog group Civic Data reporting 2023 as the most violent year on record. The report suggests that 2024 may surpass these grim statistics, anticipating increased attacks from organized crime during the elections. The state of Michoacan ranked fifth in the number of attacks on politicians and government officials in 2023.
Integralia Consultants, in a recent report, highlighted the unprecedented intervention of organized crime in local elections, citing the expanding business models of cartels beyond drugs. Mayoral races become crucial for cartels as they extract protection payments from local businesses and governments. This violence at the local level has a chilling effect on democracy, discouraging political newcomers from entering the arena.
Residents of Maravatío express their disillusionment with the political process, as the killings of these aspiring politicians cast a shadow over the democratic exercise. The impact Is felt not only by those directly affected but also by citizens who fear the consequences of engaging in the electoral process. As the city grapples with the aftermath of these tragic events, concerns loom over the ability of the government to ensure the safety of candidates and the integrity of the upcoming elections.
