Mexico election: MURDERED politician's wife DEFIES husband's killers with mayoral campaign
THE WIDOW of a murdered mayoral candidate in the Mexican town of Apaseo el Alto has defied her husband’s killers and decided to run for office in his place, vowing to bring peace to the violence-stricken region.
In a horrific attack, Jose Remedios Aguirre was shot dead in broad daylight in the Ecological Park in Guanajuato on May 11 following a political rally.
He is one of over 130 political candidates to have been murdered ahead of the presidential, general and state elections due to take place on Sunday July 1.
His widow Carmen Ortiz has since decided to run for mayor in her late husband’s place, and is campaigning for peace in her hometown.
Speaking to the BBC, she commented on her decision to run, stating: “There are two types of fear; the one that paralyses you, and the one that gives you strength.
There are two types of fear; the one that paralyses you, and the one that gives you strength
“My husband wanted a safe and peaceful town, and that’s why as a woman and as a wife, I wanted to finish what he started.”
Speaking at a rally in her hometown, she added: “Here I am, standing for his dreams.
“I am tired of insecurity and I know you are too. Enough.
“We are going to bring back peace and tranquility to our communities.”
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Prior to entering the mayoral race, Mr Aguirre served as the director of public security in the same region between 2012 and 2015.
Ms Ortiz and her children are now protected by armed guards 24-hours a day, and are accompanied on all journeys to and from school.
The majority of the over 130 political murders which have occurred since September have taken place in rural towns
Ruben Salazar, director of Etellerkt which is monitoring violence in Mexico, noted perpetrators have generally targeted political candidates and officials.
He said: “This violence has been concentrated in the local area, at least 71 percent of all these aggressions have been against elected officials and candidates who aspire to positions in the local area.”
Ms Ortiz said she is still in the “denial” over the death of her husband, and “still wants to believe he might return”.
She also expressed her fear for her children, stating: “What worries me is that growing up without a father, my children will try to fill that void by taking the wrong path.”
However the political candidate stated defiantly she had discovered just how “very strong” she truly is through the death of her husband, and vowed to continue fighting for her children.