Outgoing Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has offered condolences to the family of a slain mayoral candidate, Bertha Gisela Gaytán, a candidate representing the left-wing party he founded, Morena, who was shot dead shortly after launching her campaign.
The shooting was the latest in a string of violence against political hopefuls ahead of Mexico’s June 2 general elections. The Associated Press news agency estimates that at least 15 political candidates have been killed since January as the general election approaches.
The last time Mexico held a nationwide election—in 2021, when state, local, and national legislative seats were up for grabs—an estimated three dozen political candidates were killed. Observers say threats largely stem from organised crime and drug cartels that exercise sway over the Mexican political system through threats, bribery, and corruption.
Mexico is currently in the midst of another high-profile election, this time with the presidency hanging in the balance.
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