Veracruz closed a month of campaigning this Wednesday, leaving a violent mark with six politicians murdered, including two candidates, as well as a dozen attacks and threats during the election renewals for its 212 municipal governments.
On April 29, hours into the election campaign, Germán Anuar, the Morena candidate from Coxquihui, was murdered, and on May 11, the same happened to fellow Morena candidate Yesenia Lara in Texistepec.
In the last week, the state governed by Morena candidate Rocío Nahle saw multiple attacks on vehicles and campaign tents of candidates from the Mexican Nationalist Movement (MC), Morena, and PVEM (PVEM) in places such as La Antigua, Tempoal, Alvarado, and Jilotepec.
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As a result of the violence, classes in Coxquihui were ordered to be suspended in some rural areas and resumed after the vote on Sunday, June 1.
“We have made a massive effort so that people can freely and safely cast their vote. We will have 15,715 security personnel and 2,166 vehicles to guarantee security,” promised Governor Nahle.
Morena could consolidate its position as the leading political force, boasting advantages in key areas such as Coatzacoalcos, Córdoba, Martínez de la Torre, Minatitlán, Poza Rica, Tuxpan, and Xalapa.
However, the struggle between the 4T and the PAN will focus on the Port of Veracruz and Boca del Río, currently governed by the PAN, which experienced a split after losing the Yunes family, who decided to ally themselves with Morena.
AN Strongholds in Veracruz at Risk
Amid a context of violence, but with the potential to wrest some of the opposition’s most important strongholds in Veracruz, Morena and its allies are preparing for the June 1 elections, in which they will renew municipal presidencies, mayoralties, and council seats.
The election to renew 212 municipal presidencies in Veracruz has been marked by violence, which has left two candidates murdered, one kidnapped, and others threatened.
On May 21, Governor Nahle acknowledged that there are 57 municipalities in the state where “tempers have flared,” leading to political violence ahead of Sunday’s election.
However, she hinted that in some cases the attacks are related to the backgrounds of those vying for elected office.
“We are aware that some candidates have criminal records or are linked to violent situations. Parties must assume political responsibility and avoid nominating those who cause violence,” he claimed.
Morena is emerging as the winner
Morena appears set to consolidate its position as the main political force in the state it already governs, despite the fact that, for this electoral process, its longtime ally, the PT, broke the coalition and will run with the PVEM as its sole ally in 165 municipalities. In the remaining 47, each party will compete with its own slates.
The PAN and the PRI also broke their alliance in this state, amid accusations that the PRI had “surrendered to Morena” and allowed the Yunes party to continue to influence party decisions.
Of the state’s 10 key municipalities, polls indicate that Morena would win again in seven: Coatzacoalcos, Córdoba, Martínez de la Torre, Minatitlán, Poza Rica, Tuxpan, and Xalapa.
Polls indicate that in the municipality of Orizaba, currently governed by the PRI, the battle will also be between the PRI and Morena, which most polls show has the advantage.
The focus will be on Boca del Río and Veracruz, the capital city of Veracruz, PAN strongholds that could be at risk following the rapprochement of former governor Miguel Ángel Yunes and his son, Senator Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez, to Morena, after casting their votes in favor of judicial reform.
In Boca del Río, polls give the advantage to the National Action Party and its candidate, federal deputy Josefina Gamboa, the party on leave, but they place Morena in the lead with a wide margin in Veracruz.
Source: dallasnews
