The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Day: 23 June 2026

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT, European Union Election Observation Mission to Colombia 2026

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The EU Mission emphasised that the election day was transparent, well-organised and underpinned by robust democratic institutions. It noted that the process unfolded in an orderly manner, despite the polarised political climate, questions surrounding the electoral system and security challenges.

The EU EOM emphasised that Colombia had once again demonstrated its institutional capacity to organise elections with safeguards in place. It also commended the work of the Registrar’s Office, the conduct of the polling station officials and the swift publication of preliminary results.

At the same time, the Mission retained some concerns: the presence of armed groups in certain territories, political violence, disinformation and the impact of allegations of fraud on public confidence.

The EU notes that this statement is preliminary and that the final report will be published at a later date, containing a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process and possible recommendations.

The Catalonia Election Observation Mission describes Election Day in Colombia as “calm and peaceful,” although it notes “isolated irregularities”

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The Catalonia Election Observation Mission for the second round of the presidential elections in Colombia has described Election Day on Sunday, June 21, as “calm and peaceful,” despite having detected “isolated irregularities.”

The mission is made up of 26 people, including members of the Parliament of Catalonia and representatives of institutions and civil society organizations that stand in solidarity with Colombia.

Press conference on the preliminary report:

Our solidarity is universal.

We are deeply concerned about all victims of armed conflict, repression and violence around the world — from Sudan to Syria, including the persecution of the Rohingya and so many other crises that often receive less international attention than they deserve. Each of these situations calls for solidarity, remembrance, justice and action.

However, we have decided to specifically highlight the message ‘Stop Genocide in Palestine’ because what is happening in Palestine represents not only a human tragedy of enormous magnitude, but also a direct challenge to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and to the rules-based international system itself. The indifference and complicity of much of the international community in the face of the apartheid regime imposed by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people represent one of the greatest moral and political contradictions of our time.

The persistent violation of essential norms — such as the protection of the civilian population, the prohibition of collective punishment and respect for proportionality in the use of force — not only has devastating consequences for the Palestinian population, but also erodes the global mechanisms designed to limit the power of states and prevent abuses.

When these rules are repeatedly breached without any effective consequences, the framework that protects all populations in conflict situations, anywhere in the world, is weakened. Therefore, speaking out in this case does not mean ignoring other forms of suffering, but rather emphasising the urgency of defending an international order which, if it collapses, leaves everyone in a more vulnerable position.

Drawing attention to this situation is, therefore, an act consistent with the universal values we uphold: the protection of life, human dignity and respect for international law, without exception.

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