There were around 22 reported killings across the country, possibly involving campaign coordinators, precandidates and candidates.

In certain parts of the country that had already experienced significant governance issues, the atmosphere before the elections was even more tense and violent.

Since drug trafficking organizations and other organized crime elements control significant regions, the state security forces stationed there engage in activities and operations that create extremely dangerous and unique situations for citizens, like the violent clashes with the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel that occurred in Jalisco at the beginning of May.

The cartel demonstrated significant firepower, shooting down a Cougar helicopter of the Mexican Army, in which nine troops died, mostly members of the special forces and the Federal Police.

[5][6] Violent attacks occurring before the 2015 elections included: Protocol to Address Political Violence against women The challenges that women face in exercising their political and electoral rights arose from the violent circumstances surrounding the 2015 election cycle.