A mayoral candidate in Guerrero, Mexico, Alfredo Cabrera, was shot dead at a campaign rally in the town of Coyuca de Benítez.

This murder is part of a violent lead-up to this weekend's elections, where a new president, legislators, governors, and nearly 20,000 local officials will be elected.

More than 20 candidates have been killed and hundreds threatened during this election cycle, the most violent in Mexico's recent history.

Cabrera was under police protection after a previous attack in 2023.

Following the assassination, Mexico's National Guard killed the attacker in a return of fire.

Major political figures, including presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez, condemned the murder, describing Cabrera as a 'generous and upstanding man.' The election is poised to potentially elect Mexico's first female president, with Claudia Sheinbaum from the Morena party and opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez leading the polls.

The winner will inherit challenges including rising violence, a stagnant economy, and migrant issues.