Two mayoral contenders have been found dead in a single day in Mexico, adding to the toll of slain candidates in what is shaping up to be the country’s most violent election on record. The deaths reported in different parts of the country on April 19 bring to 17 the number of candidates killed in the lead-up to the presidential, congressional, and local polls on June 2.
Violence linked to organized crime in Mexico has long killed politicians from various parties, especially those who hold or are seeking regional positions. Drug cartels have often carried out such assassination attempts in a bid to control local police or extort money from municipal governments.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador acknowledged in early April that the cartels often seek to determine who will serve as mayor—either by running their own candidates or eliminating potential rivals. The recent slayings have prompted the government to provide bodyguards for about 250 candidates, while those running for municipal positions—the most endangered—are the last in line for security.
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