Colombia is holding its presidential elections on Sunday, May 31, 2026 [1].
The vote determines the successor to President Gustavo Petro, who is scheduled to leave office on Aug. 7, 2026 [4]. This transition marks a critical shift in the country's political leadership and governance.
To maintain order and the integrity of the process, officials have implemented several restrictions. A "dry law" prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol is in effect in Medellín, Cali, and other cities [5]. These restrictions began Saturday afternoon and are set to remain in place until Monday, June 1 [2], [3].
Election officials from the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil have also issued strict warnings regarding ballot secrecy. It is prohibited to take photographs of the marked ballot [6]. The government said sanctions will be applied to those who violate this rule [6].
Jurors overseeing the polling stations are following a specific schedule to manage the nationwide vote [7]. As part of their service, these jurors will receive a compensatory day off from their employment [7].
These measures aim to prevent voter coercion and ensure a peaceful environment across the country. The final results will determine if a candidate wins in the first round or if the race proceeds to a runoff election [4].
“It is prohibited to take photographs of the marked ballot”
The implementation of the dry law and the ban on ballot photography reflect a concerted effort by the Colombian government to minimize civil unrest and electoral fraud. By strictly controlling the environment around polling stations and the secrecy of the vote, officials seek to ensure the legitimacy of the transition of power on Aug. 7.
