The leading candidates in Mexico’s presidential election have held their final campaign rallies ahead of the vote on Sunday.
The campaign has been marred by violence, with the latest incident involving the shooting death of a mayoral candidate as he closed his campaign in Guerrero state.
On the national level, either Claudia Sheinbaum, a close ally of left-wing incumbent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, or Xóchitl Gálvez, a former senator for the country’s main center-right party, is almost certain to become Mexico’s first female leader.
Ms. Sheinbaum, the clear favorite, addressed a crowd in Mexico City’s central Zócalo Square, stating that Mexico had “changed profoundly for the better” since President Obrador was elected in 2018.
“I’m clear that my obligation is to take Mexico along the path of peace, security, democracy, freedom, and justice,” she said.
Challenger Ms. Gálvez, who has criticized President Obrador for the prevalence of organized crime in the country, held her closing event in the northern city of Monterrey.
“You are going to have the bravest president,” she said. “I am going to defend your family. I am going to protect your sons. I am going to take care of your daughters. Don’t forget that.”
The election will also see voters casting ballots for hundreds of congressional representatives and thousands of local positions across the country.
This campaign has been the most violent in the country’s history, with around 200 public servants, politicians, and candidates assassinated so far.
Whoever wins the presidency will face the challenges of tackling a stagnant economy, rising violence, and the continuous flow of migrants through Mexico aiming to reach the United States.