The Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Colombia, headed by former President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernández, congratulates the Colombian people for their historic participation during yesterday's election day. The Mission also commends the professional work of the electoral authorities and Colombia's institutions, which, in a highly polarized context, created the conditions necessary for citizens to exercise their right to vote.
The Mission further recognizes the civic commitment of polling station officials, electoral witnesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders whose dedication and sense of responsibility contributed to the peaceful, orderly, and transparent conduct of the election.
During election day, the Mission was deployed in 26 departments, the Capital District, and five cities abroad, where it visited 1,198 polling stations. Mission members monitored the process from the opening of polling stations through their closing, vote counting, and the transmission and publication of results. The Mission also maintained a presence at the Unified Command Posts of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and Colombia's Consular Services Abroad.
The OAS/EOM observed that all polling stations opened on time and were equipped with the necessary materials for the conduct of the election. The Mission also noted an increase in the presence of electoral witnesses, which strengthened transparency guarantees throughout the day. The electoral process proceeded without incidents that affected its normal development.
The Mission verified that, at all polling stations observed, electoral witnesses were able to photograph the Official Vote Count Forms (E-14), and that the digitization of delegates' tally sheets was carried out in accordance with established procedures. It is also worth noting that electoral materials were securely safeguarded throughout the voting process, including during their transfer to the vote-counting commissions.
As anticipated, once voting concluded, the National Civil Registry Office promptly and efficiently released the preliminary results, which showed candidate Abelardo de la Espriella leading by a narrow margin. On the same evening, and in the presence of electoral witnesses and observers, the official vote count process began, constituting the final stage in the tabulation of election results.
In this context, the Mission calls on political and social actors, as well as the public at large, to await the completion of the official count process with calm and responsibility. Protecting the country's institutions is essential for the consolidation of democracy in Colombia.
The OAS/EOM remains in the field closely monitoring all stages of the official count and the resolution of any challenges that may arise. Upon completion of this phase, the Mission will present a third report containing observations and recommendations aimed at further strengthening Colombia's electoral system.
Reference: E-078/26
