By Frente Unido 
On August 25, electoral authorities in Chiapas were called upon by some sectors of the region’s community to suspend the extraordinary elections in Pantelhó and limit voting stations in Chicomuselo due to escalating violence. The change in electoral plans is emblematic of a bigger problem: the mass exodus of local Chiapas residents fleeing south to Guatemala or elsewhere in Mexico to avoid narco clashes.
Despite calls from the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas to cancel the elections altogether, the Chiapas Electoral Institute was adamant about proceeding cautiously which in itself appears to be strangely aligned with ushering in with whatever change in government is most convenient for some select group. There are also communities very engaged with the political process, which could indicate that the elections are competitive. It is certainly not clear.
Más de 50 vehículos repletos de hombres encapuchados ingresaron la tarde de este sábado a #Chicomuselo #Chiapas, los hombres gritan “vamos a recuperar Chicomuselo” y su pertenencia a un grupo criminal, mientras que los pobladores gritan “queremos paz”.
— Pedro Gerardo López (@pedrogerardo26) August 25, 2024
La incursión se registra… pic.twitter.com/DRdwByT4My
The violence in question comes from organized criminal elements and has instilled fear in local residents, potentially interfering with their ability to vote. Hooded men and women traveling by car and motorcycle were seen descending from various communities in Chicomuselo on August 23. Their goal, they claimed, was to “reclaim Chicomuselo”. It was anticipated that the elections would be held in Chiapas’ municipalities, Chicomuselo and Capitán Luis Ángel Vidal, on August 25, so local authorities being defined in one direction or another appears to be integral to the success of these incursions criminal groups.
Elections Canceled In Some Places, Not Others
These local elections and unstable circumstances intertwine with a disturbing number of disappearances. A family from the Chicomuselo municipality reportedly vanished during their journey to Comitán, further highlighting the growing insecurity in the area. As criminal groups continue to escalate violence in the Sierra de Chiapas region, the use of explosive drones against Mexican army troops has been reported, marking a concerning development in the ongoing turmoil. It is unclear who the Mexican army is actually tasked with protecting.
Additionally, a key bridge in Chicomuselo has been destroyed which has isolated some communities in remote areas of the Sierra Madre, Chiapas, region. In Chicomuselo, 18 stations were cut from a total of 45. Decisions about the continuation of the preparations were left in the hands of local authorities and the INE, who had been closely monitoring the situation.
In early May, criminal groups killed 11 people some of which were minor aged children, according to TV Azteca’s local correspondents. Authorities waited days to ingress and process bodies at a local morgue. Unlike other places in the world, Chiapas authorities are essentially at the behest of these armed groups due to the high likelihood that there are conflicting allegiances and threats to authorities limiting their functions.
#Chicomuselo // Un puente de hamaca que conecta con las colonias Potrerillo y Buenavista Tujú del municipio de Chicomuselo, fue cortado por un grupo delictivo. Los habitantes quedaron aislados a 4.5 kilómetros de la cabecera municipal. pic.twitter.com/GYz8wxAc3S
— Parábola Sur-Noticias (@ParabolaSur) August 25, 2024
The current governor of Chiapas appears unconcerned since Claudia Sheinbaum has integrated him into her upcoming presidential cabinet. Rutilio Escandon has remained controversial throughout his tenure; his governorship has been widely criticized for being unable to halt violence in the region. The ominous presence of armed groups created a climate of fear among the residents’ of Pantelhó, generating concern for their personal security should they choose to vote, with municipal and state authorities appearing disinterested in providing increased security.