Staff Reports
As Mexico gears up for its historic election on Sunday, the country is facing a surge in violence that has sparked concerns about the safety and security of the voting process. The election is poised to be the largest in the nation’s history, with a record-breaking number of voters expected to cast their ballots.
The leading candidate in the polls, Claudia Sheinbaum, represents the left-leaning Morena Party, and she is on track to become Mexico’s first female president. Sheinbaum’s opponent, Xochitl Galvez, represents the conservative National Action Party, marking a significant shift away from the country’s traditional ‘macho’ culture.
Mexico elects leftist Claudia Sheinbaum as the first female president in its history https://t.co/eDXn1Y1OUC
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) June 3, 2024
The surge in violence leading up to the elections has raised alarm, with over 20 candidates killed and hundreds seeking state protection, particularly those running for state and local positions. Criminal groups are using the elections as an opportunity to assert dominance, leading to heightened levels of violence throughout the country.
Under the leadership of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico has witnessed efforts to combat corruption and prioritize marginalized demographics. Lopez Obrador’s policies have received mixed reactions, with opponents criticizing his actions targeting the judiciary and reducing funding to Mexico’s electoral agency.
The winner of the election will inherit a series of challenges, including economic, security, and migration issues. Mexico has been grappling with high inflation rates and a significant budget deficit, while homicide rates remain alarmingly high. Additionally, the country is facing challenges related to migration and its national industry due to limited energy and water resources.
The surge in violence leading up to the election has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of Lopez Obrador’s “hugs, not bullets” security approach, which prioritizes social programs over law enforcement. Both Sheinbaum and Galvez have outlined their approaches to addressing the escalating violence, with Sheinbaum endorsing increased military involvement in domestic security and Galvez emphasizing law enforcement alongside social programs.
As Mexico braces for this historic election, the country grapples with a range of pressing issues, and the outcome of the election will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the nation.
