Colombia's MOE warns of electoral risks for 2027 elections

The Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) has issued warnings regarding potential risks for Colombia's 2027 regional elections. Director Alejandra Barrios expressed concern that public funds intended for reconstruction following the August 10 earthquake could be misappropriated to favor political campaigns. This is particularly critical in departments such as Chocó, Valle del Cauca, and the Eje Cafetero, where thousands of schools—many of which serve as polling stations—require rebuilding.

Additionally, the MOE identified several high-risk corridors where violence threatens the electoral process. These include a horseshoe-shaped region stretching from La Guajira to Arauca, a corridor connecting Catatumbo with Urabá, and the Pacific region. In the south, Nariño and Cauca remain high-risk areas due to the presence of various armed groups, including the ELN and FARC dissidents.

Barrios criticized the national government for lacking a structured security policy, noting that current actions are merely reactive to specific incidents. The MOE plans to request participation in reconstruction monitoring commissions to ensure transparency in fund allocation.