In a harrowing turn of events, Maravatio, a central Mexican town, was struck by tragedy as two mayoral candidates were brutally killed just hours apart. The Prosecutor’s Office of Michoacan state confirmed the fatalities of Armando Pérez, representing the conservative National Action Party (PAN), and Miguel Ángel Reyes, hailing from the ruling left-leaning party, Morena.

Both candidates were discovered dead in their respective vehicles, each bearing gunshot wounds, as per statements issued by the prosecutor. Pérez was found on Monday evening, with Reyes discovered a few hours prior near the hospital where he served as a doctor. These disturbing events have cast a pall over the upcoming June 2 elections, for which both men were slated to run.

Expressing dismay, Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador labeled the killings as “unfortunate” during his daily press briefing on Tuesday. The PAN and Morena have strongly denounced the acts of violence, urging authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

Political violence, unfortunately, is not uncommon during election seasons in Mexico. Analysts warn that this year, under Obrador’s administration, is witnessing an alarming surge in such incidents. According to data from Data Cívica, there were 36 politically motivated violent events recorded in January alone. Since the onset of the current electoral process in September, eight candidates have lost their lives, as reported by Intergralia Consultants.

The report further underscores the sinister role of criminal organizations in electoral processes, highlighting their penchant for intimidation and coercion. These groups often target municipal-level politics, leveraging their influence to secure impunity and further their illicit agendas.

Mexico’s Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez has pledged governmental action to stem the tide of violence leading up to the 2024 elections. As the nation braces for the electoral contest on June 2, with over 100 million voters expected to participate, concerns about safety and security loom large. With thousands of positions up for grabs, including the presidency, the need for ensuring a fair and secure electoral process has never been more pressing.