Surge in Political Violence With 10 Candidates Murdered Shadows Upcoming Mexican Elections

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In a surge of political violence, Mexico witnessed the assassination of five electoral candidates in February, escalating the total number to ten in the initial two months of 2024, as per a recent report by Data Cívica. The distressing spike in politically motivated crimes casts a long shadow over the upcoming elections, scheduled for June 2, when the country is set to conduct the most extensive electoral exercise in its history.

The report, titled ‘Voting between bullets,’ highlights the grim reality of political violence in Mexico, accounting for a total of 36 homicides this year when including public officials and their relatives. The violence spanned across various political factions, affecting members from the National Action Party (PAN), the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), and the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM).

Notable victims of February’s deadly spree include Jaime Vera, a PVEM mayoral candidate for Mascota in Jalisco, and Yair Martín Romero and Manuel Hernández, both aspiring for legislative positions in the State of Mexico and Veracruz respectively under the Morena banner. The list also names Miguel Ángel Zavala and Armando Pérez Luna, respective Morena and PAN candidates for municipal presidencies in Michoacán.

The rate of attacks remains unyielding, with February matching January’s toll of five murders alongside three non-fatal incidents comprising an armed attack, a threat, and another attack targeting political figures. Data Cívica’s comprehensive analysis reveals a harrowing trend, with 58 instances of political-criminal violence recorded in February alone, encompassing threats, murders, armed confrontations, assaults, and abductions.

These incidents mark a continuation of a disturbing pattern, adding to the 11 homicides of candidates, pre-candidates, and former candidates recorded since the latter half of 2023, coinciding with the onset of the current electoral cycle which will culminate in the June elections. From January 2018 to December 2023, Data Cívica documented a total of 105 murders within the political class, signifying a profound crisis of security and governance.

Furthermore, the year 2023 witnessed an unprecedented peak in electoral violence, with 574 recorded acts of aggression including threats and assaults, the highest since such data collection commenced. This spike in violence casts a significant shadow over the democratic process in Mexico, particularly concerning as the nation prepares for its largest electoral event. More than 97 million Mexican citizens are expected to participate, selecting from an extensive roster of 20,375 federal positions, including the Presidency of the Republic, seats in both legislative chambers, and nine gubernatorial posts.

As Mexico gears up for this pivotal moment in its democratic journey, the persistent wave of political violence poses serious questions about the safety of candidates and the integrity of the electoral process. The global community watches as the nation confronts the dual challenges of conducting free, fair, and safe elections amidst an escalating tide of violence.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In a surge of political violence, Mexico witnessed the assassination of five electoral candidates in February, escalating the total number to ten in the initial two months of 2024, as per a recent report by Data Cívica. The distressing spike in politically motivated crimes casts a long shadow over the upcoming elections, scheduled for June 2, when the country is set to conduct the most extensive electoral exercise in its history.

Follow Us On Google News | Get Our Newsletter



Trending News on PVDN

  • tropical-cyclone-mexico-pacific-june-2025New Tropical Cyclone Likely to Form Off Mexico’s Pacific Coast This Week Meteorologists warn of a 90% chance a new tropical cyclone will form midweek off Mexico’s Pacific coast, as Dalila weakens and rains persist across southern Mexico. As Tropical Storm Dalila moves farther out to sea and becomes post-tropical, meteorologists are turning their attention to a new disturbance brewing off Mexico’s Pacific coast, which is highly…
  • tropical-storm-erick-hurricane-watch-southern-mexicoTropical Storm Erick Strengthening as Hurricane Watch Issued for Southern Mexico Tropical Storm Erick is forecast to become a hurricane before making landfall in southern Mexico. A Hurricane Watch is now in effect from Bahias de Huatulco to Punta Maldonado. Tropical Storm Erick continues to gather strength off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast and is forecast to become a hurricane by Wednesday, according to the latest advisory…
  • potential-tropical-cyclone-five-southern-mexico-hurricane-forecastPotential Tropical Cyclone Five Could Become Hurricane Before Making Landfall in Southern Mexico Potential Tropical Cyclone Five may strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall in southern Mexico, bringing dangerous winds, heavy rains, and life-threatening flooding. Potential Tropical Cyclone Five is gaining strength and organization off the Pacific coast of Guatemala and is forecast to become a hurricane as it approaches southern Mexico by Wednesday or Thursday, according…
  • no-kings-day-protest-mexico-city-2025Mexico City joins global ‘No Kings Day’ protests Demonstrators in Mexico City took part in No Kings Day to denounce Trump’s use of military force and demand respect for migrant communities in the United States. Dozens of protesters marched through the streets of Mexico City on Saturday as part of “No Kings Day,” a global demonstration denouncing authoritarianism in the United States and…
  • A Strong Peso-Dollar Exchange Rate Could Shift Mexican Real Estate Pricing TrendMexico’s Real Estate Market Booms as Foreign Buyers Rush to Invest Mexico’s real estate market is surging as foreign buyers seek affordable homes and high ROI in hotspots like Puerto Vallarta. Find out what’s fueling the boom. A surge in international interest is rapidly transforming Mexico’s property market, turning popular tourist towns into high-demand real estate hubs. With a mix of affordability, lifestyle appeal, and growing…
  • heavy-rains-flooding-queretaro-june-2025Heavy rains cause flooding and road closures in Querétaro Intense rainfall in Querétaro led to river overflows, flooded streets, and road closures over the weekend. Authorities are monitoring river levels and urging residents to stay alert. Intense rainfall over the weekend caused flooding and mobility disruptions across several areas of Querétaro, as rivers overflowed and drainage systems failed under pressure. While no serious injuries…
  • mexico-50-peso-silver-coin-2025Mexico’s New 50-Peso Silver Coin Will Celebrate Pre-Hispanic Cultures Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies announced 20 new silver coins, including a 50-peso piece honoring pre-Hispanic cultures, set to enter circulation in November 2025. In a move to celebrate and preserve Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, the Chamber of Deputies announced the upcoming circulation of 20 new silver coins, including a striking 50-peso piece that will be…
  • skydiver-rescued-puerto-vallarta-palm-treeSkydiver rescued after getting stuck in Puerto Vallarta palm tree A skydiver from Monterrey was rescued after becoming trapped in a palm tree in Puerto Vallarta. Authorities confirm he suffered only minor injuries. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta responded to an unusual emergency on Monday afternoon after a skydiver became trapped in a palm tree in a condominium complex near the beach. The incident prompted a…
  • tropical-storm-erick-oaxaca-hurricane-warningTropical Storm Erick Threatens Oaxaca as Mexico Activates Civil Protection Plan Mexico activates a civil protection plan as Tropical Storm Erick strengthens. The storm may become a Category 2 hurricane, putting 22 municipalities in Oaxaca at risk. The Government of Mexico has activated its civil protection plan as Tropical Storm Erick moves closer to the country's southern Pacific coast, with Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero under direct…
  • puerto vallarta cruisesPuerto Vallarta is gearing up for major upgrades at its maritime terminal Puerto Vallarta’s port prepares to expand its docks to accommodate larger cruise ships, with new infrastructure and tourism projects planned to boost economic growth. Puerto Vallarta is gearing up for major upgrades at its maritime terminal, with the expansion of three docks aimed at keeping pace with the cruise industry’s growing shift toward larger vessels.…
Scroll to Top