Aspiring parliamentarian shot dead in his office

A leftist candidate running to become a federal parliamentarian in Mexico’s upcoming mid-term elections was killed on Tuesday night, in the latest example of deadly violence in the run-up to the vote.

Miguel Angel Luna, of the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), was shot dead by armed assailants in his campaign office in Valle de Chalco, a populous suburb of Mexico City, the Attorney General’s office for the state of Mexico said.

His brother described him as a man dedicated to his community.

“It’s a very tough blow, primarily for Valle de Chalco, which believed in him (Miguel Angel Luna), because he was a man in the struggle, who looked out for his community, his people, and now for the election was looking to be able to carry his people and team forward. What has taken place is regrettable and difficult,” Ricardo Luna Munguia said.

Eloi Vazquez, a PRD spokesman, said he did not know whether Luna had received any prior threats.

16 candidates killed before poll

One supporter said he wants answers.

“He was a noteworthy politician. He was a municipal president, federal deputy and was trying again to become a federal deputy, but the truth is that he was a hard worker and so we mourn and condemn what has happened,” Miguel Angel Xolalpa said.

“We thought this couldn’t happen in this country, but today, it has hit us, in the municipality of Valle de Chalco, and so we believe the authorities ought to find out as soon as possible what happened.”

On Sunday, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto faces his first national vote since winning the presidency in 2012. The lower house, nine governorships and various state legislatures are up for grabs.

In the run-up to the vote, 16 candidates – including Luna – have been killed, with recurring threats of boycotts and disruptions from unions and criminal groups.