Right-wing presidential candidate Paloma Valencia said she will reactivate arrest warrants for illegal armed groups if she assumes the government.
This stance marks a significant departure from current peace negotiations, signaling a shift toward a security-first approach to curb kidnappings and violence in regions like Cauca and Valle del Cauca.
Valencia specifically targeted the "Cartel de la Paz Total," proposing the use of prisons for its members. She said she is concerned over the suspension of arrest warrants for 23 criminal leaders [1], stating that such suspensions could serve as a mechanism of pressure against the state.
To ensure the integrity of the upcoming 2026 elections, Valencia said she is requesting international vigilance. She said that illegal groups will attempt to pressure Colombian citizens during the voting process.
"Los grupos armados presionarán a los colombianos," Valencia said.
Regarding future diplomacy with insurgent or criminal organizations, Valencia said she will not promote new negotiation processes with armed groups. She linked the current wave of violence to the existing "total peace" policies, suggesting that illegal armies are currently well-funded and emboldened.
"Podría terminar siendo un mecanismo de presión," Valencia said regarding the legal status of criminal leaders.
Her platform emphasizes a return to strict law enforcement and the immediate capture of those leading illegal organizations to restore order in the Colombian countryside.
“"Los grupos armados presionarán a los colombianos"”
Valencia's proposal represents a direct challenge to the 'Total Peace' framework of the current administration. By advocating for the reactivation of arrest warrants and rejecting new negotiations, she is positioning herself as the candidate of law and order, betting that the electorate is fatigued by the persistence of illegal armed groups in rural departments.
