Two Mayoral Candidates Assassinated in Maravatio, Mexico Ahead of Elections

The killings of two mayoral hopefuls in Maravatio, Michoacan, underscore the escalating violence and influence of drug cartels on local politics.

Two mayoral candidates, representing Morena and PAN parties, were murdered within hours of each other in Maravatio, Michoacan.
The attacks occur as Mexico braces for potentially the most violent elections in its history, with campaigns officially starting on Friday.
Experts warn of unprecedented cartel intervention in the 2024 local elections, as criminal organizations seek to exert control over local governments.
The surge in political violence, including the recent killings, highlights the expanding influence of drug cartels beyond narcotics, involving extortion and control over local businesses.
Authorities and political parties have condemned the violence, calling for justice and highlighting the threat to democracy and local governance.