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The Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Colombia, led by former President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernández, congratulates the Colombian people for their historic participation during yesterday’s election day. Likewise, the Mission commends the professional work of the electoral authorities and Colombian institutions which, in a highly polarized context, created the conditions for citizens to exercise their right to vote.
n” “nThe Mission also highlights the civic commitment of the poll workers, electoral witnesses, civil society organizations, and other actors who, through their work and responsibility, contributed to the peaceful, orderly, and transparent development of the election.
n” “nDuring the voting day, the Mission was present in 26 departments, the Capital District, and 5 cities abroad, where it visited 1,198 polling stations. Its members monitored the progress of the day from the opening of the polls to their closing, the vote count, and the transmission and dissemination of results. Likewise, it had a presence at the Unified Command Post of the Ministry of the Interior, the Unified Command Post of the Ministry of Defense, and the Unified Command Post of Colombian Consulates Abroad.
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The MOE/OAS observed that all polling stations opened on time and had all the necessary materials for the day’s proceedings. The Mission noted an increase in the presence of electoral witnesses, which reinforced transparency guarantees throughout the day. The electoral process took place without any incidents that affected its normal development.
The Mission confirmed that, at all observed polling stations, electoral witnesses were able to photograph the Tally Sheet (E-14), and that the digitization of the delegate sheets was carried out in accordance with established procedures. It is also worth noting that the electoral material was securely guarded throughout the entire election day, including the transport to the counting commissions.
n” “nAs expected, at the close of the polls, the National Registry released the preliminary count quickly and in a timely manner, with candidate Abelardo de la Espriella leading by a narrow margin. On the same night of the election, in the presence of witnesses and observers, the scrutiny process began, which constitutes the final stage of the vote tallying.
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In this context, the Mission calls on the various political and social actors, as well as the citizenry in general, to await the completion of the scrutiny with calm and responsibility. Protecting the country’s institutionality is crucial for democratic consolidation in Colombia.
n” “nThe OAS EOM remains on the ground, closely following each of the phases of the scrutiny and the resolution of any challenges that may arise. Upon completion of this stage, the Mission will present a third report that will include observations and recommendations aimed at improving the Colombian electoral system.
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