A sharp increase in violent attacks is marking the final days of the presidential campaign for Colombia’s first-round election on May 31, 2026 [3].
The surge in violence threatens the democratic process by intimidating voters and candidates. This volatility suggests that despite past peace efforts, armed actors still possess the capacity to destabilize national political transitions.
Armed groups, criminal gangs, and political candidates have been linked to a wave of bombings, assassinations, and threats across the country [1]. In one particularly volatile period, more than 20 attacks were recorded within a 48-hour window [1].
Local authorities have identified 139 municipalities as being in extreme risk of violence [2]. These areas are currently seeing intensified efforts by illegal actors to exploit a polarized political environment to maintain territorial control.
This instability comes nearly 10 years after the historic peace accord with the FARC [4]. While that agreement aimed to end decades of conflict, the current climate shows that armed groups continue to operate and target political figures during high-stakes election cycles [1].
Security forces remain on high alert as the country approaches the vote this coming Sunday. The combination of physical violence and disinformation campaigns has created a precarious atmosphere for those seeking office in the 2026 cycle [3].
“More than 20 attacks recorded in a 48-hour period”
The resurgence of violence during the 2026 campaign highlights the fragility of Colombia's internal security. It demonstrates that the 2016 peace accord did not fully dismantle the infrastructure of armed conflict, as new or remnant groups continue to use electoral volatility to exert power over rural and marginalized municipalities.
