IRI Announces Arrival of Delegation for Pre-Electi...

Bogotá, Colombia - The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy and freedom globally, is deploying a pre-election assessment mission to Colombia from March 23 to 27, 2026 that will assess the country's preparations for Election Day and the conditions for credible elections in advance of the May 31 presidential election.

This high-level mission, led by former U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to United Nations Agencies Gaddi H. Vasquez, will arrive in Bogotá on March 22 to join IRI's long-term election observers and meet with a broad range of stakeholders, including the National Electoral Commission (CNE), National Civil Registry Office (Registraduria), political parties, and civil society organizations from across the Colombian political spectrum.

"The outcome of Colombia's presidential election will be critical in shaping the country's approach to economic and security issues, with far-reaching implications for stability and governance across Latin America," said Amb. Vasquez. "It will also help inform whether the country can strengthen public trust in its institutions."

The delegation's statement of findings will be released in the days following the mission, offering an impartial and objective assessment of preparations for Election Day and practical recommendations to enhance electoral integrity in the run-up to the election.

Since 1983, IRI has organized more than 270 international election observation missions worldwide, earning a reputation for objectivity and professionalism. The mission will conduct its activities in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct adopted by the United Nations in 2005 and base its findings and recommendations on Colombian laws and international standards for elections. All activities will be conducted on a strictly nonpartisan basis and without interfering in the electoral process.