(NewsNation) — Attacks on political candidates in Mexico’s June elections have surged, with high tensions from cartel groups leading to politically motivated killings.

Government data reveals that last month was the deadliest this year, with numerous candidates targeted.

Despite efforts to reduce violence, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has witnessed killings nearly matching the same historic high as when he first took office in 2018.

20 candidates were killed this year

Criminal groups are seizing this election as an opportunity to expand their power, which has led to nearly 200 politically motivated killings, including about 20 candidates this year.

Bursts of violence are common before elections, especially in local races. At least 125 people have been killed throughout the country this year in politically motivated killings, according to the electoral violence tracker Data Civica, while even more have been threatened, attacked and kidnapped.

The cartels are not only fighting over drug trafficking routes but also control of other criminal enterprises such as extortion, particularly near Mexico’s violence-torn southern state of Chiapas.

At least 14 killed in Chiapas

Attacks on political candidates in Chiapas have left at least 14 people dead in recent days, local authorities and candidates said Sunday.

A mayoral candidate in the southern state of Chiapas was killed Thursday. Authorities also confirmed attacks against two candidates in Chiapas that left nine people dead.

The latest attack early Sunday targeted the car driving Nicolás Noriega, who is running to lead the municipal government of the town of Mapastepec. Noriega confirmed the attack to The Associated Press and said he was wounded and at least five people from his campaign were fatally shot.

López Obrador struggles to combat violence

The increased violence in Chiapas has put López Obrador in a difficult position. During a state meeting with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo on Friday, the spike in violence underscored his administration’s struggle to confront the cartels and downplay the violence.

The rise in cartel violence before Mexico’s election underscores the deep challenges the country faces. These criminal groups threaten both democracy and the lives of those involved.

As the election looms, the situation remains dire, with no clear solution.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.