104 Colombian Municipalities at Electoral Risk, Says Government

Bogotá, Colombia — The Colombian government announced on October 7, 2025, that 104 municipalities are at electoral risk ahead of upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. The alarming statistic was revealed by Interior Minister Armando Benedetti during a press conference, alongside Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The concern primarily focuses on areas plagued by public order issues, particularly regions known for coca production. Benedetti highlighted areas like Catatumbo in Norte de Santander and López de Micay in Cauca as significant concerns where the ELN and dissidents of the FARC may hinder fair elections.

“The worry is in regions where there are security problems,” Benedetti stated. He noted that the difficulty of establishing voting stations in these areas challenges both public security and electoral integrity.

While the government anticipates a report from the Defensoría del Pueblo at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, sources indicate their risk numbers may be higher than the government’s 104 municipalities.

Benedetti further criticized the Defensoría for relying on reports of complaints rather than considering the presence of armed groups. “Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if it’s ignorance about the country or something else,” he added, referencing past issues related to coca cultivation.

Electoral events are approaching quickly, with Colombians set to vote for a new Congress on March 8, 2026, followed by presidential elections on May 31 and a potential second round in June.