A candidate for the mayoral position in the town of Coyuca de Benitez, Mexico, was shot dead during a campaign rally, Guerrero state governor said. 

The attack comes just a few days before Mexicans go to vote in a general election and follows a string of election-related attacks. 

The mayoral candidate, Alfredo Cabera, was shot multiple times by an assailant who approached him from behind as he greeted supporters. The incident was recorded by a supporter participating in the rally and shows the moments before Cabera was tragically killed.

Another video circulating on social media shows the scene from the aftermath of the attack, where both Cabera and the assailant lay dead after the assailant was also shot dead by security personnel.

The graphic video has been posted online and went viral on social media. You can find it here.

Read more: Venezuela slams US, Canada silence on Mexican embassy storming

In a post on X, Guerrero governor Evelyn Salgado condemned the "cowardly" act and asked the state's prosecutor's office to bring "the full weight of the law against the person or persons responsible."

The attack follows two recent assassination attempts on the mayoral candidates in the central state of Morelos and Jalisco state, where one candidate was killed and another was wounded in the respective areas. 

Mexican authorities have said that so far, 23 candidates for this year's election have been killed, since September 22, 2023. 

Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has deployed over 27,000 troops and National Guard members to provide security during the elections, however, the mobilization of troops has not put an end to election-related crimes in Mexico. 

Mexicans will be voting not only for a new president but also for members of Congress, several state governors, and around 20,000 local officials this weekend. 

Read more: 5 dead, 50 wounded in Mexico presidential campaign stage collapse