A look at Mexico’s most violent election cycle in modern history

Mexico’s national elections, which took place earlier this month, were characterised by exceptional levels of political violence, making it the most violent election cycle in the country’s modern history.

At least 37 candidates seeking office were assassinated in the lead-up to the election, with this number continuing to rise following the election itself.

Furthermore, over 828 non-lethal attacks were recorded, as well as hundreds of candidates reporting being threatened. Family members have also been targeted, with at least 14 relatives of candidates being killed in the months preceding the election.

Mexico’s powerful drug cartels, as well as corrupt local governments, have been key drivers of the violence. Cartels and other organised crime groups often interfere with the political process to assert pressure and influence.

They use violence to dictate who can compete and govern, as well as to control the decisions of political parties in the territories they dominate. In some instances, politicians are directly involved in the killings, hoping to win their positions by taking out the opposition.

The line between government and organised crime in the country is becoming increasingly blurred, with some local governments being infiltrated by members of criminal groups.

The violence threatens to undermine Mexico’s democratic processes, with many candidates who were running for office withdrawing from the race in fear for their lives.

There are also doubts about the governability of several regions due to the high levels of violence and powerful influence of the drug cartels operating there.

Citizens have also reported being threatened due to their vote choice, and intimidated into voting in a certain way which favours the interests of the cartel rather than the community.

The historic election of the country’s first female president has been overshadowed by violence. Moreover, the elections have served to exacerbate instability in Mexico’s already fractured political landscape.