Violence Mars Mexico's Election Campaign as Mayoral Candidate Shot Dead

 The final campaign rallies for Mexico's presidential election have taken place amid a wave of violence, with a mayoral candidate shot dead in Guerrero state. The incident marks the latest in a series of attacks that have plagued the campaign, with around 200 public servants, politicians, and candidates assassinated so far.

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The presidential election, to be held on Sunday, will likely see Claudia Sheinbaum or Xóchitl Gálvez becoming Mexico's first female leader. Sheinbaum, a close ally of incumbent President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is the clear favorite. At the same time, Gálvez, a former senator for the center-right party, has criticized the government's handling of organized crime.

In her final campaign rally, Sheinbaum vowed to continue President Obrador's policies, promising to prioritize peace, security, democracy, freedom, and justice. Gálvez, meanwhile, pledged to defend families and protect citizens from crime.

The election will also determine hundreds of congressional representatives and thousands of local officials nationwide. Whoever wins the presidency will face significant challenges, including a stagnant economy, rising violence, and the ongoing migrant crisis.