Historical election

Today elections are held in the State of Mexico, Coahuila and Nayarit to appoint a governor, and in Veracruz to elect municipal presidents.

Nevertheless, this electoral day, unlike previous ones of local scope, for the moment and the circumstances in which it is carried out, could be historical, for today, the first alternation of parties in the State of Mexico and Coahuila is really at stake due to the important reassignment of forces in the mayoralties of Veracruz and specifically the influence that it will have on the presidential election of 2018.

Another important element is that these elections will be accompanied by the widespread discontent of society with the political class, because of the corruption scandals that reach all parties, and the adverse economic and security panorama that impacts large sections of the society. This social anger is not to be taken lightly: the State of Mexico being the entity with more femicides, hearing about the criminal ties of the former prosecutor of Nayarit, or knowing about the embezzlement in Coahuila, not to mention Veracruz - whose ex-Governor is now imprisoned - are but a few of the problems of the states in question which make them a faithful portrayal of the tense atmosphere in which these elections are held.

After campaigns in which dirty war was the common practice, and that were characterized sadly by the absence of serious electoral platforms, realistic proposals and credible speeches as well as irresponsible demagogy, it is desirable that the citizenship called to vote does so in a conscious and informed manner.

As it is known, Veracruz and the State of Mexico are the states that concentrate the highest percentage of the national electoral register, so the battle will be fierce especially in the case of the second. For this reason, analysts consulted by EL UNIVERSAL predict that there will be conflicts, red lights and a well-structured government apparatus for the purchase of votes in the four entities. Another reason for dispute could be, they say, that it is highly probable that these elections will have very tight results and therefore post-electoral conflicts and an eventual judicialisation of the process will occur.

Faced with this, in order to avoid clashes, the authorities must be aware of any anomaly in the area of their competence, while voters must go to vote and denounce any attempt to buy their vote. Illegal practices to attract the vote, as this newspaper documented at the time, are something we know exists, and this Sunday we will be able to see how much they weigh. In any case, it is to be expected that if any conflicts arise, they will be addressed through institutional channels.

The election of this Sunday can be historical mainly because of the potential rearrangement of political forces, nevertheless, we hope it also is historical for happening in peace, under the law frame and with the abundant participation of the society.

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