Veracruz elections under tension: Governor Nahle responds to criticism and coordinates security with Sheinbaum amid wave of violence and resignations

The electoral process in Veracruz , scheduled for June 1 , is taking place under growing tension, marked by murders, threats, and candidate resignations. Faced with this critical situation, Governor Rocío Nahle has responded to the criticism and is coordinating increased security with President Claudia Sheinbaum and thousands of federal troops deployed throughout the state.

The road to elections in Veracruz is proving to be one of the most turbulent and worrisome in the country. The state has been rocked by a wave of electoral violence, including the assassination of candidates, multiple threats, and the resignation of candidates fearing for their safety. The gravity of the situation has reached such a point that, last week, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in the state announced the temporary suspension of its campaign activities due to the lack of security guarantees.

Given this critical situation, Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle García has publicly stated that efforts are underway to ensure that the elections are free and secure . As part of these efforts, security has been reinforced with the deployment of at least 1,000 additional federal troops in the state. This figure is complemented by an even larger contingent: the central government has sent a total of 3,500 National Guard troops and 300 agents from the Attorney General's Office (FGR) to "shield" Veracruz during the electoral period.

The magnitude of the crisis has required coordination at the highest level. Governor Nahle has scheduled (or has already held) a meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to define and consolidate security strategies ahead of election day. President Sheinbaum herself has confirmed this increased security deployment for Veracruz. To date, 109 formal requests for security measures have been registered by candidates in the state, a clear indicator of the prevailing fear.

"The escalating electoral violence in Veracruz has forced massive federal intervention and high-level coordination, highlighting a situation perceived as critical by the central part of the country."

While these measures are being implemented, Governor Nahle has also had to respond to what she described as "vulture control" and criticism from the opposition regarding her handling of the insecurity and political violence. These tensions are compounded by allegations appearing in opinion columns suggesting that Morena and the government are appointing judges with an eye to securing electoral victories in 2027, adding an element of distrust to the long-term impartiality of institutions.

This complex political and security environment raises serious questions about the state's ability to guarantee not only the physical safety of candidates and voters, but also the legitimacy and fairness of the electoral process. Violence, in its various forms, can inhibit citizen participation, restrict freedom of choice, and ultimately distort the popular will.

The heavy presence of federal forces and presidential meetings are not a standard response to an electoral process; they are indicative of an alarming situation that requires extraordinary measures. Electoral violence is often intertwined with disputes over control of territories and institutions, and accusations regarding the appointment of judges could point to political strategies seeking to influence the balance of power in Veracruz beyond the current election.

The great challenge for authorities in Veracruz and at the federal level will be not only to contain the violence in the coming weeks, but also to rebuild trust in institutions and ensure that the outcome of the June 1 elections is a true reflection of the decision of the people of Veracruz, free from intimidation and coercion.

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