Mexico City was abuzz with political fervor as the country held its last day of campaigning before the upcoming nationwide election on Sunday. However, the closing rallies were marred by violence and attacks on candidates, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with a high homicide rate.
Opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez kicked off her final campaign rallies early Wednesday on the outskirts of Mexico City, taking aim at President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s controversial “hugs not bullets” policy towards drug cartels. Gálvez, who is facing off against López Obrador’s Morena party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, promised to prioritize law enforcement and peace in a country plagued by violence.
Meanwhile, Sheinbaum held her own rally later in the day, emphasizing national pride and the progress made under López Obrador’s administration. She vowed to continue the government’s strategy of offering apprenticeships to deter youths from joining drug cartels, focusing on peace and security rather than an iron-fist approach.
The election comes at a critical time for Mexico, with the country grappling with not only high levels of violence but also deep political divisions. The campaigns have been overshadowed by tragic incidents, including the shooting of a mayoral candidate in Jalisco and the killing of an alternate mayoral candidate in Morelos.
As Mexicans prepare to cast their votes on Sunday, the country faces a pivotal moment in its history. With two women leading the presidential race, Mexico is poised to potentially elect its first female president. The outcome of the election will not only shape the future of the country but also determine how Mexico addresses the pressing issues of violence, democracy, and populism.