On May 28, the head of the European Union (EU) election observation mission in Colombia, Esteban Gonzalez Pons, released a preliminary assessment affirming that the first round of voting was 'transparent, orderly and smooth', while refuting rumors of fraud.
The mission deployed 143 observers to monitor 591 polling stations across Colombia. Gonzalez Pons emphasized: 'Once again, Colombia has given a lesson in democracy. Despite the presence of illegal armed groups, questions about the electoral system and growing polarization, Colombia brought ballot boxes to every corner of the country.'
Preliminary vote counts showed far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella leading with 43.7% of the vote, surpassing leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda (representing the ruling Historic Pact coalition) with 40.9%. The two candidates will face each other in a second round on June 21.
Shortly after the results were announced, incumbent President Gustavo Petro questioned the counting process. On social media, Petro wrote: 'As President, I do not accept the preliminary vote count,' and criticized private companies involved in the process, claiming their software added 'hundreds of thousands of votes' to the results. He stated he would only recognize results from oversight committees led by judges.
In subsequent days, President Petro continued to post about 'potential fraud' and accused de la Espriella of buying votes. Conversely, candidate Cepeda initially remained silent but later acknowledged no irregularities had occurred. De la Espriella seized on Petro's statements to accuse the current administration of trying to 'steal democracy'.
Colombia has a history of vote-buying and electoral fraud. Following the 2014 legislative election, the Council of State identified some irregularities, including discrepancies in vote tally sheets. However, the EU mission affirmed it found no evidence of fraud in this election.
Leire Pajín Iraola, head of the European Parliament delegation within the mission, remarked: 'Despite polarization, misinformation and campaign tensions, election day – based on what we observed – was peaceful and orderly, with broad citizen participation and respect for democratic institutions.' She expressed hope that the second round would proceed smoothly, 'with no interference and full respect for the sovereignty and will of the Colombian people'.
