Wave of Electoral Violence in Colombia’s Presidential Campaign
The current electoral landscape in Colombia has been significantly marred by violence and unrest, with the director of the Electoral Observation Mission (MOE), Alejandra Barrios, recently reporting 63 recorded acts of violence across 21 departments. This wave of aggression primarily targets the campaigns of prominent candidates such as Paloma Valencia, Abelardo de la Espriella, and Iván Cepeda, complicating the environment as the first presidential round approaches.
A Deteriorating Security Landscape
According to Barrios, the series of threats, attacks, and murders has profound implications, underscoring a disturbing trend in the political climate of Colombia. The violence manifests not only in direct assaults on candidates but also in vandalism of campaign headquarters and destruction of electoral materials. The heightened state of insecurity diminishes the ability of candidates to effectively mobilize and engage with voters, diminishing democratic participation.
Barrios emphasized the necessity for reinforced vigilance at party headquarters. In the lead-up to elections, public gatherings will be restricted to enclosed spaces, reflecting the dire need for secure settings for candidate events.
Impact on Campaign Dynamics
The increase in violent incidents places significant strain not only on the candidates but also on their campaign teams operating within diverse municipalities. This deterioration of security has engendered an atmosphere of fear that adversely impacts the political process. Recent reports include acts of vandalism and sabotage aimed at disrupting campaign activities.
The presidential race leading up to the first round scheduled for May 31 has been categorized as the most violent in eight years, as analyzed by the Ideas for Peace Foundation (FIP) in conjunction with the MOE. The heightened threats against candidates such as Valencia, de la Espriella, and Cepeda occur against a backdrop of armed confrontations and the rising influence of illegal armed groups.
Escalation of Violence
The situation escalated following the murder of Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay on June 7, 2025. Subsequent murders of local political leaders, including campaign coordinators such as Mileidy Villada González and Rogers Mauricio Devia Escobar, illustrate a chilling trend of targeted violence against those involved in the electoral process.
The Role of Illegal Armed Groups
Compounding these issues is the growing presence of illegal armed groups in Colombia. Recent figures suggest that these groups have expanded from around 15,000 members in 2022 to over 25,000 in 2026. The Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN), and dissident factions of the former FARC are leading this increase, thereby intensifying the risks associated with the electoral process.
Gerson Arias, a researcher at FIP, noted that this phenomenon extends beyond mere armed clashes; it represents a territorial and political expansion of these groups. He stated, “What we are experiencing is an increase in political violence and, above all, violence by armed groups that constrain and intimidate the civilian population.”
Risk Assessment of Electoral Areas
As the elections draw closer, the electoral map reveals acute risks across Colombia. The MOE identified 386 municipalities classified under varying levels of violence alert—with 139 at extreme risk, 122 at high risk, and 125 at medium risk. Notably, departments such as Cauca, Antioquia, Norte de Santander, and Valle del Cauca exhibit the highest alerts, while regions like Arauca and Guaviare are entirely engulfed in electoral risk.
This tumultuous scenario aligns with the challenges facing the “total peace” policy initiated by Gustavo Petro’s government, where ongoing dialogue processes with armed factions have experienced setbacks. Despite the ELN’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire, fighting is anticipated to persist across various regions.
Conclusion
The prevalence of electoral violence in Colombia not only poses immediate threats to candidates and their teams but also jeopardizes the integrity of the electoral process itself. This alarming situation demands urgent attention and concerted action to ensure that democracy can flourish amidst the shadows of violence. The forthcoming elections will be crucial in determining the direction of Colombia’s political landscape, making it imperative to address the underlying issues contributing to this climate of fear and instability.