More than 500 political candidates are now under federal protection to ensure the safety of the upcoming elections, announced Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. This declaration follows the murders of over 30 candidates during the current electoral cycle.
Mexico’s ruling party, Morena, faces a significant challenge this summer with the country’s presidential elections and hundreds of other local and state races. So far, these elections have been beset by allegations of ties to drug cartels, unlawful funding, and rampant violence.
State officials have attempted to downplay the issue by asserting that among the 515 candidates who withdrew, only 29 cited concerns for their safety.
#InformaciónOficial | We share with all citizens the cases of resignations registered with the #IEPC by candidates for local office. pic.twitter.com/q84mVhJgkd
— IEPC Chiapas (@IEPCChiapas) May 21, 2024
According to statistics maintained by the NGO Laboratorio Electoral, a total of 70 candidates and campaign workers have been killed since the electoral cycle began in June 2023.
So far, 70 people associated with the electoral process have been murdered, of which 33 were candidates or aspiring candidates. https://t.co/3ScpZYroTE pic.twitter.com/LJW2dgTiQn
— Laboratorio Electoral (@Eleccionesymas) May 17, 2024
