voter coercion

Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella urged prosecutors to investigate claims that rebel groups coerced voters in remote municipalities to support Sen. Iván Cepeda in the May 31 election. Cepeda secured over 70% of votes in 109 municipalities with active illegal armed groups, some reporting 97%. The European Union electoral observation mission noted complaints about pressure from government officials and rebels, though no specific candidate was identified.

Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is urging prosecutors to investigate possible voter coercion by rebel groups in favor of governing party candidate Iván Cepeda.

Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella urged prosecutors to investigate claims that rebel groups coerced voters in remote municipalities to support Sen. Iván Cepeda during the May 31 election. De la Espriella's campaign cited Cepeda's high vote shares in areas with active illegal armed groups, while the European Union electoral observation mission reported voter complaints about pressure from officials and rebel groups.