In Veracruz, a state navigating an electoral process to select a governor and fifty members of the regional parliament, a political leader was killed this Saturday on a public street. The victim was identified as Alejandro Naredo, who chaired the PRD Municipal Committee in the municipality of Cuitláhuac. Officials from the State Attorney General’s Office confirmed to EFE that Naredo was the man shot in broad daylight, in a violent incident that unfolded in a public square and sent shockwaves through the community.
Naredo served as a local figure within the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) and was a prominent organizer in the Cuitláhuac area. The attack occurred in a neighborhood section known as Colonia Oaxaca, the municipal seat for the region and a focal point for residents and party supporters alike. The shooting sparked immediate fear among residents and drew a swift response from law enforcement as officers attempted to halt the attackers and secure the area, though they were unable to prevent the violence from occurring.
Authorities from the FGE described the incident as regrettable and said that a comprehensive investigation has been launched. Prosecutors, crime-scene analysts, and Ministry Police officers are conducting fieldwork and scientific analysis to identify the individuals responsible and to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the case would not go unpunished, communicating its commitment to pursuing accountability in public messages posted on official channels.
Reaction from the PRD’s National Executive Directorate condemned the killing as a cowardly act against a party leader in Veracruz. The federation extended condolences to Naredo’s family, friends, and to the Veracruz PRD community through a message on its official social media accounts. Veracruz, a state with a voter base exceeding six million, is currently in the midst of an electoral cycle aimed at choosing the governor and local deputies, including thirty regional representatives elected by vote and twenty who are selected through multi-member arrangements, a structure commonly used in the state’s political landscape.
As the campaign season moves forward, gubernatorial candidates are in the interview phase of pre-campaign activities. This stage includes outreach to party militants and sympathizers to build support for the upcoming vote. Two principal candidates have emerged in the public discourse: Jose Franciso Yunes Zorrilla, who represents a coalition of opposition parties that includes PRI, PAN, and PRD; and Rocio Nahle, the leading candidate from the governing Morena party and its allies PVEM and PT. Each candidate has been engaging in public appearances and outreach in various municipalities as part of the campaign’s early rhythm.
Data Cívica, a civil organization tracking political violence, highlights Veracruz as one of the states facing heightened risk for attacks linked to politics and governance. The organization’s monitoring project, Votar Entre Balas, notes that 2023 recorded a high level of political-criminal violence, with five hundred seventy-four documented attacks nationwide and forty-two in Veracruz alone. This pushes Veracruz to a position among the states with the highest incidence of political violence, alongside Guerrero, Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Michoacán, and Chiapas, where threats, shootings, disappearances, and other forms of aggression have been repeatedly reported.
In the broader context, analysts emphasize the importance of securing electoral processes, safeguarding candidates and supporters, and maintaining public confidence in the institutions overseeing the election. The events in Veracruz underscore ongoing concerns about safety and the impact of violence on political participation. Officials from the Office of the Public Prosecutor reiterate their dedication to pursuing justice and ensuring that those responsible will be brought to account, reinforcing the message that violence against political actors is unacceptable and will be treated with seriousness and urgency by law enforcement and judicial authorities.
As Veracruz continues to move through this period of political campaigning, observers note the delicate balance between public security and electoral rights. Citizens are reminded of the importance of staying informed through credible sources and of participating in the electoral process with a clear understanding of the issues at stake. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by political figures in key regions and the ongoing need for robust security measures, transparent investigations, and a fair, peaceful path toward democratic governance.
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