Mexico’s State of Mexico is gearing up for an important election, and the first gubernatorial debate between the two candidates is set to take place this Thursday. Delfina Gómez of the Juntos Hacemos Historia coalition, which includes Morena, the Green Party, and the Labor Party, will face off against Alejandra del Moral of the Va por México alliance, made up of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN), and the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD).

The stakes are high in the State of Mexico, which is the most populous state in the country with more than 12 million citizens. Violence against women is a major issue, and both candidates have made clear that this is an important area of focus.

The two candidates have already exchanged jabs in the days leading up to the debate, and the atmosphere of open confrontation between the two sides has been palpable. Del Moral urged her supporters to “do what they have to do, for better or for worse, we want evidence of the majority, not of good conduct.”

Gómez’s team, which is leading in the polls, has accused del Moral of inciting her base to commit electoral violations in order to win the election. The evidence presented was a video of del Moral speaking before her supporters, urging them to “take your place in the battle” and to “come out and win the election!” The PRI apparatus responded with jubilation and applause.

The debate has become a crucial event in the run-up to the June 6th election, as Mexicans prepare to decide the fate of their most populous state. With the economy, security, and corruption all high on the list of voter concerns, the debate is sure to be a passionate and important affair.