Gustavo Petro calls for investigation into alleged electoral manipulation

Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a criminal investigation into Fernando Cerimedo and Javier Negre, accusing them of orchestrating a massive disinformation campaign to manipulate the recent presidential election results.

Petro claims that forensic analysis of Cerimedo’s phone reveals connections between the digital operation and Colombian officials. He alleges that a network of approximately two million bots and fake profiles, operated from locations including Miami and Medellín, was used to create a “matrix of lies” that altered voter perception. Petro asserted that the Medellín-based operation was reported to the national police but was not controlled by local authorities.

The former leader argued that if the manipulation of voters is proven, the election results should be annulled. He specifically contested the victory of Abelardo de la Espriella, suggesting that without this digital interference, the outcome would have been different. The accusations follow reports of a “mini bot farm” and cash being seized during previous investigations involving Cerimedo.