As per reports, two mayoral candidates in Maravatio, Mexico, were fatally shot within hours of each other, raising concerns about escalating violence before the 02 June national elections.
• Despite campaign activities not officially starting, Miguel Ángel Zavala of the ruling Morena party and Armando Pérez of the National Action Party were reported killed on Monday and Tuesday (26 February and 27 February), respectively.
• The violence is believed to be caused by drug cartels in Mexico, with gang turf wars increasingly affecting political processes. The state of Michoacan, where Maravatio is located, has been particularly affected by such conflicts.
• However, the exact motives behind these killings remain unclear.
