US, Americas Partnership demand peaceful power transition in Colombia

The United States, alongside 12 other nations in the Americas Partnership, has issued a strong call for respect of Colombia's official election results and a peaceful transfer of power. The group warned that any attempt to delegitimize the electoral process or obstruct the government transition would disregard the popular will.

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any attempt to delegitimize the electoral process or to obstruct the government transition constitutes a disregard for the popular will.

A statement released by the U.S. Department of State, and co-signed by Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, voiced "deep concern" over declarations and actions that cast doubt on the election's integrity without proper justification. The signatories rejected any moves to discredit electoral authorities, ignore the citizens' mandate, or impede the handover between governments.

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deep concern

This joint pronouncement from a bloc of right-leaning governments emerged after Colombian President Gustavo Petro questioned the victory of ultraconservative Abelardo de la Espriella over the official candidate, Senator Iván Cepeda, alleging fraud without providing evidence. De la Espriella, reportedly backed by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, had accused Petro and Cepeda of attempting a "coup" to cling to power.

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any action or decision that seeks to discredit electoral authorities, disregard the mandate granted by citizens, or obstruct the process of transition between governments.

Despite the controversy, Petro has since committed to a peaceful transition, assuring Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that he would leave office on August 6. De la Espriella, who secured about 52% of the vote in the June 21 runoff, is set to be inaugurated on August 7 for a four-year term.

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to promote a peaceful transition of government.