Gisela Gaytán had just arrived at an event on the first day of her mayoral campaign in central Mexico’s industrial heartland when the gunfire broke out. Moments later, her lifeless body laid crumpled in a pool of blood. The assassination of Ms. Gaytán, a 37-year-old lawyer, is part of a disturbing trend in this year’s general election in Mexico. According to a New York Times analysis, she is one of 36 people killed since last summer while seeking public office, making this one of the most violent election cycles in recent memory.
The targeted killings of candidates point to a serious threat to Mexico’s democracy. As the country prepares for an election that could potentially see its first female president, analysts and law enforcement officials warn that cartels are spreading fear and violence at the local level. Extortion, migrant trafficking, and other criminal activities are becoming intertwined with the political landscape.
Not only are candidates at risk, but their family members are increasingly becoming targets as well. The brutal killings in recent months highlight the dangers faced by those brave enough to challenge the status quo. Some candidates have been forced to drop out of races, while political parties struggle to find willing participants. In response to the escalating violence, some campaigns have shifted focus to online platforms, avoiding public appearances.
The violence is not limited to individual attacks; armed groups are now engaging in mass shootings to further their agendas. The need for compliant elected officials has emboldened criminal organizations to resort to threats, bribes, and deadly force. The sheer scale of this year’s election, with over 20,000 local posts up for grabs, has provided ample opportunities for violence and corruption to thrive.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s approach to crime, dubbed “hugs, not bullets,” has had mixed results. While mass killings between security forces and criminal groups have decreased, cartels have taken advantage of the lack of aggressive confrontation to expand their influence. The rise in election-related violence reflects a larger issue of organized crime groups operating with impunity and exploiting vulnerabilities in Mexico’s democratic processes.
In the aftermath of Ms. Gaytán’s assassination, questions about the effectiveness of security measures and protection for candidates have come to the forefront. The bureaucratic delays and lack of coordination between federal and state authorities have left many candidates vulnerable and unprotected. The ongoing threats and intimidation faced by political hopefuls underscore the challenges of upholding democracy in the face of pervasive violence and corruption.
As the election date approaches, the specter of violence looms large over the electoral process. Candidates, voters, and officials alike must confront the reality of a democracy under siege by criminal elements seeking to control and manipulate the outcome for their own gain. The bloodshed and fear gripping Mexico’s election cycle serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes and grave risks involved in the fight for political power in a country plagued by violence and insecurity.