Colombia closes borders for presidential election's second round to ensure transparency

Colombia has sealed its borders to guarantee the integrity and transparency of the presidential election's second round on Sunday. Land and river crossings with neighboring countries were scheduled to close from Saturday evening until Monday morning, with the border crossing with Venezuela being an exception, closing twelve hours earlier. President Gustavo Petro announced the early closure of the Venezuelan border, emphasizing that the elections in the Norte de Santander, La Guajira, and Arauca departments would proceed with Colombian citizens within Colombia. The government aims to prevent security risks and the potential movement of voters from neighboring countries that could affect the electoral process. This measure is part of broader efforts to ensure a peaceful and fair election, which also include a ban on alcohol sales and consumption from Saturday evening until Monday noon. Colombians are set to choose between two candidates in this decisive round.

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The border with Venezuela has been closed since 6 am. The elections in Norte de Santander, La Guajira, and Arauca will be held with Colombian citizens in Colombia.