Possible answer:

The election held in Mexico cannot be termed as free and fair due to several reasons related to political violence, corruption, and electoral fraud. These factors have undermined the legitimacy of the electoral process, and affected the rights and choices of the citizens who participate in it.

Political violence

- Mexico has a history of political violence, which has intensified in recent years due to the rise of drug cartels, organized crime, and social unrest.
- This violence has targeted politicians, candidates, activists, and voters, who face threats, attacks, and intimidation from various sources.
- For example, in the 2018 election, more than 130 politicians were killed, including 48 candidates, making it one of the deadliest campaigns in Mexican history.
- This violence creates a climate of fear and insecurity, and limits the freedom of expression, assembly, and association that are essential for a democratic election.

Corruption

- Mexico has also faced widespread corruption in its political system, which has undermined public trust and accountability.
- This corruption involves various forms of bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and cronyism, and affects all levels of government and political parties.
- This corruption also affects the electoral process, as it allows candidates to buy votes, manipulate media coverage, and influence electoral authorities and institutions.
- For example, in the 2012 election, the ruling party was accused of using public funds to bribe voters with gift cards and cash, and of receiving favorable coverage from media outlets that were owned or controlled by its allies.

Electoral fraud

- Mexico has also experienced electoral fraud, which is the deliberate manipulation of votes or the results of an election.
- This fraud can take many forms, such as ballot stuffing, vote buying, voter suppression, and hacking of electronic systems.
- This fraud can also involve collusion between electoral officials, political parties, and other actors who seek to influence or distort the outcome of the election.
- For example, in the 2006 election, the opposition candidate claimed that he had won the election, but was denied the victory due to alleged irregularities and fraud by the ruling party and the electoral authorities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the election held in Mexico cannot be termed as free and fair due to the presence of political violence, corruption, and electoral fraud, which undermine the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. To improve the quality of democracy in Mexico, it is necessary to address these issues and to promote transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

Elections held in Mexico is not termed as free and fair electoral competition because,
• until 2000 every election was won only by a political party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) as PRI used dirty tricks to win election.
• teachers of government schools forced parents to vote PRI
•the polling booths were shifted at the last minute, which unabled people to cast their votes