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'Deeply Concerned': EU Election Observers on Colombia's Wave of Violence
🇵🇦 Panama /Elections & Politics

'Deeply Concerned': EU Election Observers on Colombia's Wave of Violence

From TVN Panamá · (6h ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • EU election observers in Colombia expressed deep concern over a surge in violence during the electoral campaign.
  • Attacks, including a bombing that killed 21 civilians and the assassination of a journalist, have been attributed to dissident FARC guerrillas.
  • Despite the violence impacting campaigning and voter freedom, observers maintain that Colombian democracy is resilient and capable of organizing elections.

The European Union's election observation mission in Colombia has voiced serious alarm regarding the escalating violence that is casting a dark shadow over the nation's electoral process. The mission's deputy chief, José Antonio Gabriel, described the attacks as "a dagger plunged into the heart of democracy," highlighting the profound impact on the ability to campaign freely and for voters to exercise their rights without fear.

Muy preocupados

— Observadores electorales de la UEThe EU election observers in Colombia expressed their deep concern over the wave of violence.

Recent weeks have seen a terrifying campaign of terror, including a devastating bombing in the Cauca region that claimed the lives of 21 civilians, and the brazen assassination of journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda. These acts, blamed on dissident FARC guerrillas who have not adhered to the 2016 peace accord, underscore the persistent challenges to security and stability in the country, particularly in rural areas where state presence is limited.

Cada atentado es un dolor, es un puñal que se le clava a la democracia

— José Antonio GabrielJosé Antonio Gabriel, deputy head of the EU mission in Colombia, described the impact of the attacks on democracy during a press conference.

While the violence undoubtedly creates a climate of fear and attempts to influence the electoral outcome, the EU mission remains steadfast in its assessment of the strength of Colombian democracy. Gabriel emphasized that, despite the presence of armed groups, Colombia has consistently demonstrated its capacity to organize elections across its territory. This resilience, he noted, is a testament to the nation's democratic spirit, even in the face of significant adversity.

La violencia impacta "la capacidad de hacer campaña, a la libertad de los votantes" y, por tanto, "la jornada electoral"

— José Antonio GabrielGabriel explained how the violence affects the electoral process.

From our perspective here in Colombia, the international community's concern is noted, but the reality on the ground is a complex tapestry of political maneuvering and persistent insecurity. The upcoming presidential elections are already fraught with tension, with candidates like Senator Iván Cepeda suggesting the attacks benefit the far-right, while contenders Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia advocate for a hardline approach. The EU's observation is valuable, but the ultimate path to peace and stable governance rests with Colombians themselves, navigating these turbulent political waters.

Este país, a pesar de la presencia de los grupos armados (...) una y otra vez (logra) organizar elecciones en todo el territorio

— José Antonio GabrielGabriel affirmed the resilience of Colombian democracy despite the presence of armed groups.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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