Colombian Armed Groups Allegedly Threaten Voters, Religious Leaders

In a tense political climate, allegations have emerged in Colombia concerning armed groups that reportedly intimidated locals and religious figures regarding their support in the recent presidential elections. The reports have raised concerns about the freedom and fairness of the electoral process.

Abelardo de la Espriella emerged victorious in the presidential race with a narrow win, securing 49.7% of the vote against his rival Iván Cepeda, who garnered 48.7%. The election, held last Sunday, has been marred by accusations of intimidation tactics employed by militant groups.

Particularly affected were regions like Arauca, Caquetá, Cauca, Guaviare, and Nariño, where pastors reported to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) that the National Liberation Army (ELN) coerced them into attending meetings. During these gatherings, the ELN allegedly advised religious leaders to be cautious in their electoral endorsements, emphasizing that no new churches would be tolerated as they deemed the current number adequate.

In both Caquetá and Cauca, splinter factions from the infamous FARC group were reported to have informed religious leaders that they were keeping track of their congregants’ votes. Such actions have raised alarms about the extent of surveillance and control exercised by these groups over the electoral process.

Some groups allegedly went so far as to demand proof of compliance by instructing voters to photograph their marked ballots.

In an effort to maintain political neutrality, certain churches like the Quadrangular Christian Church in the Arauca Zone have reiterated their focus on spiritual missions, distancing themselves from political endorsements.

CSW’s Director of Advocacy and Americas Team Leader Anna Lee Stangl expressed grave concern over these reports, stating, “CSW is deeply concerned by credible allegations of voter intimidation and coercion by illegal armed groups across Colombia.” She noted the targeted nature of these threats against religious leaders, viewing them as threats to the militant groups’ influence.

In light of these developments, CSW is calling on the newly elected Colombian President to reinstate measures to protect religious leaders, who have been frequent targets of such militant threats.