Wave of attacks on candidates overshadows Mexico's election campaign closing rallies

Mexico City held the last day of campaigning before the nationwide election on Sunday. The closing rallies were overshadowed by attacks on candidates and the country's high homicide rate. Opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez criticized President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's approach of not confronting drug cartels. Gálvez emphasized the need for peace and law enforcement against criminals. Gálvez faced the candidate of López Obrador's Morena party, Claudia Sheinbaum, who leads in the race and promised to continue López Obrador's policies. Sheinbaum advocated for offering apprenticeships to deter youths from joining drug cartels. The violence issue remains a significant concern in Mexico, with several candidates being attacked and killed in different states. The election campaign has been marred by the murder of multiple candidates, raising security concerns. President López Obrador promised to deploy troops to ensure security during the elections. The violence targeting politicians has raised fears about the fairness of the electoral process in some regions controlled by organized crime groups. The murder of candidates like Gisela Gaytán has highlighted the risks faced by those participating in the elections. Despite the challenges, there is a call for continued civic participation and voting, even in the face of fear and violence.