Colombia is gearing up for local elections on October 29. Safety fears for candidates are growing.
The group Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) advises the government to stay alert. Governors, mayors, and councilors will be chosen.
MOE issues early warnings about potential violence.
Three areas are high-risk. Antioquia reports 10 incidents, with half being threats. Valle del Cauca has nine incidents, including two killings.
Tolima also shows five incidents. Diego Rubiano from MOE shares these numbers.
Augusto Rodriguez, head of the National Protection Unit (UNP), speaks up. He says candidate numbers have risen.
UNP will now offer protection to 86% more candidates than in 2019. A special committee determines the level of risk.
According to Rodriguez, 241 candidates for mayor get security. So do 468 council candidates, 68 for governor, 138 for assembly, and 45 for local boards.
The president asks UNP to ensure safe campaigning.
MOE urges the government to focus on safety. Rubiano notes that violence rates have nearly doubled compared to four years ago.
He warns that inaction could make these elections risky.
Rumors about suspending high-risk area elections are false. The Interior Minister confirms the government’s aim for peaceful elections.
Background
Security issues in Colombia aren’t new. Armed conflict and drug cartels have a long history here. These issues often spike around election time.
This pattern makes both the government and voters worried. MOE has been monitoring elections for years.
Their role is critical in spotting early signs of trouble. The increase in candidates this year also adds complexity.
More candidates mean the need for more protection, stretching resources thin.