Colombian Presidential Candidates Denounce Lack of Security Guarantees

Colombian presidential candidates have denounced a lack of security guarantees for their campaigns ahead of the May 31, 2026, election ^[1].

These security concerns are critical because the ability of candidates to traverse the country without fear of armed violence directly impacts the democratic process and voter outreach.

Candidates including Claudia López, Paloma Valencia, and Mauricio Lizcano reported threats and the presence of armed groups in various regions. Paloma Valencia said she cannot campaign in certain territories because of these armed actors ^[3]. The candidates also cited a lack of inclusive debates as part of their grievances.

Interior Minister Armando Benedetti disputed these reports. On April 12, 2026, Benedetti said the government had provided all necessary guarantees and increased security measures [2, 3]. He said that the administration has taken all steps to ensure the safety of those running for office ^[3].

To support these claims, government data indicates that more than 4,351 men have been involved in the security of the presidential candidates ^[5].

Further discussions regarding these risks occurred during a security meeting at the Procuraduría on April 16, 2026 ^[4]. During that meeting, Augusto Rodríguez, the director of the National Protection Unit (UNP), said the specific risks facing the candidates ^[4].

Despite these government assurances, the candidates maintain that the current protections are insufficient to ensure a fair and safe campaign environment. The tension between the official security figures and the candidates' lived experiences on the ground remains a central point of contention as the election date nears.