OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Colombia Deplores Acts of Violence in the Context of the March 8 Elections

Press Release

OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Colombia Deplores Acts of Violence in the Context of the March 8 Elections

The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS/EOM) in Colombia deplores the acts of violence reported in different regions of the country that have affected candidates, party members, members of the armed forces, and journalists in the context of the congressional elections and presidential primary elections scheduled for March 8.

In particular, the Mission condemns the attack that occurred yesterday in Caquetá, which left three soldiers dead and one injured while they were carrying out duties under Colombia's "Plan Democracia." Additionally, the Mission expresses concern about the use of new technologies to disrupt the normal conduct of the electoral process, as occurred yesterday in Nariño. This is the first time that an OAS Electoral Observation Mission has recorded the use of drones for this purpose.

The Mission expresses its solidarity with those affected by these events.

The OAS/EOM calls for a climate of respect and calm to prevail in the days leading up to and during Election Day, so that citizens may exercise their right to vote freely.

Reference: E-028/26