Reek of drug cartels present in June 5 elections: Archdiocese

The Archdiocese of Mexico said that the "reek of drug cartels" is present in June 5 elections, and that drug cartels are present in "specific situations" because of institutional gaps.

The editorial of the Catholic weekly magazine “Desde la Fe” referred to the case of Tamaulipas, where the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) expelled three of its mayoral candidates on May 7 for their alleged ties to organized crime.

"The statements of the national leader of the PRI reflect what seems to be a reality hidden by the leaders: the infiltration of organized crime, and its corrupting and decadent power against democracy, which in the past has also led to painful chapters in the history of this country.” It added that despite the peace efforts and security plans, “some regions are at the mercy of organized crime.”

"It seems that drug cartels have taken the reins again in some states, sponsoring candidates to act on behalf of this 'rooted reality' in order to win get local and federal political spaces. If so, it would not be the first time,” the editorial said.

It also said that electoral campaigns are peppered with accusations of illicit enrichment and that poverty is rampant, which leads to crime given the failure of development policies.