US, Latin American allies urge against casting doubt on Colombia’s electoral process
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An election voter list posted outside a polling station during the first round of the presidential election in Colombia on May 31.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- The US and Latin American allies expressed concern over unsubstantiated claims that undermine Colombia's electoral process integrity, urging respect for democratic stability.
- Colombian presidential candidates Abelardo De La Espriella and Ivan Cepeda accused each other of vote-buying without evidence amid a tense election.
- US President Trump increased US influence in Latin America, supporting right-wing leaders and taking controversial military actions against drug trafficking and Venezuelan leadership.
AI generated
WASHINGTON – The US and a group of countries in Latin America said on July 10 that they had “deep concern” about statements and actions that cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process in Colombia.
“We observe with deep concern the recent statements and actions that, without duly substantiated grounds, cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process in the Republic of Colombia,” a joint statement released by the State Department said.
It did not cite any specific action or comment.
It was signed by the US, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago.
Colombian right-wing candidate Abelardo De La Espriella clinched a tight victory in the June presidential election. US President Donald Trump had endorsed him.
The July 10 joint statement came from the countries called the “Shield of the Americas”, a Trump-created military alliance of right-wing leaders pledging to fight drug trafficking.
Trump had publicly feuded with Gustavo Petro, a former rebel and Colombia’s first leftist president. Colombian leftist senator Ivan Cepeda conceded in the country’s presidential race in late June.
Cepeda criticised what he cast as foreign interference by Trump in the race, said voters had been manipulated by content made with artificial intelligence and accused De La Espriella of a vote-buying operation, without providing evidence.
De La Espriella, who promised a crackdown on crime and an economic revival, also accused Cepeda of vote-buying, without providing evidence.
“The transition between governments does not constitute a political concession, but rather a constitutional and institutional duty designed to guarantee the continuity of the State, democratic stability, and the effective fulfilment of the popular will,” the joint statement added.
Trump himself had falsely claimed he won the 2020 elections that he lost to former president Joe Biden before returning to the White House in 2025 after winning the 2024 elections.
His supporters stormed the US Capitol in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 vote.
Trump has moved to increase US presence and influence in Latin America. He ordered the seizure of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a deadly raid and the US military has carried out multiple strikes on boats in the Caribbean that have killed dozens.
Rights advocates say such actions are illegal, imperial and amount to extra-judicial killings. Trump casts them as attempts to counter drug trafficking and illegal immigration. REUTERS
