With the Mexican elections coming up in December 2012, the number of murders of politicians has increased drastically. It is very likely that there will be further attacks or high-profile actions with the intention of showing force and intimidating candidates, the incoming government, or the president-elect. It is unlikely however, that the cartels would impose their chosen candidate in the election nor try to influence federal elections as there are many other interest groups that are in a better position to influence national politics. Larger public sector trade unions or telecommunications companies are examples of such interest groups.

Hopefully the elections will be able to go forward without being hindered by the activities of the drug cartels. It is unsure what the Mexican government can do next to counter the illegal activities of the cartels. Calderon’s policy of arresting the leaders of drug gangs has been quite successful in limiting the numbers of drug related murders but it has also led to an increase in a different type of crime, that of extortion. Well I hope that the Mexican government takes a look at their damenuhrens and hurries up.