The recent murder of Bertha Gisela Gaytán Gutiérrez, a candidate for mayor of Celaya, Guanajuato Mexico, has once again brought to light the dangers and violence surrounding the country’s upcoming elections. Gaytán Gutiérrez, a Morena candidate was shot and killed during her first campaign rally on April 1. The tragic incident occurred in San Miguel Octopan and was captured on social media, showing the candidate and her supporters being attacked. This is just one of many acts of political violence that have plagued the country in recent years.
Sadly, the murder of Gaytán Gutiérrez adds to the more than 20 murders of politicians since the beginning of the electoral campaigns for the 2024 process according to the latest report by the consulting firm Laboratorio Electoral. The sheer number of these violent incidents highlights the widespread levels of violence and corruption present in Mexican politics.
The country is currently preparing for the largest elections in its history; more than 97 million Mexicans will vote on June 2. The elections will determine the presidency, seats in the Chamber of Deputies and seats in the Senate, with a total of 20,375 seats at stake. However, given the widespread violence and insecurity surrounding the electoral process, it is imperative that the government take swift and effective measures to ensure the safety of all involved. The future of Mexican democracy depends on it.
The right to secure and fair elections is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that this right is respected for all citizens.
With information from EFE