In a disturbing escalation of violence targeting Mexican politicians, two mayoral candidates were attacked in separate incidents, further heightening concerns over political security. The candidate for mayor of Cuautla, Ricardo Arizmendi, was killed in the central state of Morelos, while Gilberto Palomar, who was running for mayor in the municipality of Encarnacion de Diaz, was wounded along with two aides in western Jalisco state.

The attacks, which occurred less than a week before Mexico's crucial elections, have cast a shadow over the electoral process. A total of 30 candidates have been murdered during the campaign period, according to the data provided by the nongovernmental organization Data Civica. The latest casualties bring the number of victims to 22, as reported by the Mexican government.

Ricardo Arizmendi, a well-known figure in Cuautla, was a mayoral candidate chosen by the people of his city. The state government of Morelos expressed shock and sadness at the loss of Arizmendi, stating that he had no previous security threats and had not requested any protective measures. The motive behind his murder remains unknown.

In Jalisco state, Gilberto Palomar and his aides were shot inside a home, leaving them injured. The state's security coordinator, Ricardo Sanchez Beruben, confirmed the attack on social media. Details about the assailants' identities or their motive for targeting Palomar are yet to be clarified.

These incidents of violence have fueled concerns about the safety of political candidates and the integrity of the upcoming elections. The Mexican government has been urged to strengthen security measures in order to safeguard the candidates and ensure that the democratic process proceeds smoothly.

The recent attacks on mayoral candidates are not isolated incidents. Last week, two mayoral candidates in the southern state of Chiapas narrowly survived separate attacks that resulted in the deaths of nine people. Additionally, earlier this month, six individuals, including a minor and mayoral candidate Lucero Lopez, were ambushed and killed after a campaign rally in the municipality of La Concordia.

The violence targeting politicians is severely impacting the election campaign atmosphere, with potential candidates fearing for their lives as they begin their campaigns. The authorities must take immediate action to investigate these attacks, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure the safety of all candidates throughout the electoral process.

With only a few days left before the election, Mexicans are increasingly concerned about the escalating violence. It is of utmost importance that the government and security forces prioritize the protection of those participating in the democratic process to preserve the integrity of the elections and provide a safe environment for candidates and voters alike.