A recent survey by the Mexican political consultancy firm Integralia reveals a grim picture of political violence nationwide. In the lead-up to June’s election, around 200 public servants, politicians, and candidates have been murdered or threatened, with more than 50 victims in Guerrero alone.
The violence spans the entire political spectrum, though candidates from the governing Morena party have been statistically the most affected.
One of the highest-profile killings in the state occurred in Acapulco just before Christmas. Ricardo Taja, one of Morena’s leading mayoral hopefuls, was gunned down while dining at a restaurant with his bodyguard.
Political violence perpetrated by drug cartels is nothing new in Mexico.