Valle del Cauca Deploys Over 11,500 Security Personnel for Presidential Runoff

Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is preparing for its presidential runoff election with a significant security deployment, mobilizing over 11,500 members of the Public Force to ensure tranquility across the department. Governor Dilian Francisca Toro announced the extensive security plan following the final session of the Departmental Electoral Monitoring Committee. The governor stressed the importance of respecting electoral outcomes and issued a stern warning against any acts of violence or public disorder.

The security strategy involves a strategic distribution of personnel. The Valle Police will assign more than 3,000 officers to cover 447 voting centers in most of the department's municipalities. Simultaneously, the Metropolitan Police of Cali will deploy nearly 4,000 officers to secure 338 voting centers within its jurisdiction. General Herbert Benavídez, commander of the Cali unit, detailed that these officers will not only guard polling stations but also escort and transport electoral materials before and after the voting day.

While guaranteeing the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Governor Toro clarified that strict measures will be applied if road blockades or public order disturbances occur. Actions will be coordinated through the Unified Command Post (PMU) in accordance with Decree 003 of 2021. The announcement comes as the department aims to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process for the upcoming vote on June 21.

During the monitoring committee meeting, the municipality of Bolívar formally requested the relocation of three voting tables situated in its upper region, citing past electoral clashes. Departmental authorities have given initial approval, forwarding the request to the National Electoral Monitoring Committee for a final decision on potential reassignments due to public order concerns. Security has also been reinforced in other critical areas of the department.