Government raises concerns over vote-buying networks and private management of preliminary vote counts.

The Colombian government warned of potential electoral fraud ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for Sunday, citing recent incidents that authorities say point to possible vote-buying operations and broader risks to the integrity of the process.

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Officials also questioned the current arrangement under which the preliminary vote count is handled by a private company. Government authorities suggested that this responsibility should be managed by the state to guarantee full transparency in the reporting of electoral results.

To strengthen oversight and deter electoral crimes, the Presidency announced a reward of up to 130,000 dollars for information leading to the capture of individuals involved in offenses related to the elections. The measure seeks to dismantle networks dedicated to buying and selling votes, a practice the president described as a “purchase of consciences” linked to traditional political structures.

Text Reads: Another 118 million pesos, intended for vote buying, have been seized

The warning follows the recent arrest of two individuals in the department of La Guajira who were traveling in an armored vehicle carrying more than 38,000 dollars in cash along with political propaganda from the Conservative Party. Authorities reported that envelopes labeled with the names of municipalities in the region were also found inside the vehicle, reinforcing suspicions that the money was intended to influence voters in favor of congressional candidates.

Security concerns intensified after officials confirmed that one of the detainees worked as a bodyguard for the secretary of the Chamber of Representatives, connecting the case to personnel linked to the legislative branch.

The government called on citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious movement of money or external pressure that could affect the electoral process through the use of funds of questionable origin.

Meanwhile, the Historic Pact coalition stated that it has repeatedly denounced evidence of attempts to manipulate the electoral system. The coalition extended the deadline for registering electoral witnesses until March 5. These observers will monitor vote counting at polling stations to ensure that each ballot is processed without technical irregularities.

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President Gustavo Petro also recalled that previous electoral processes in the country have faced serious irregularities that affected the legitimacy of parliamentary representation in several regions. Authorities said that the reinforcement of security forces and broader monitoring at polling stations aim to ensure that the elections take place under conditions of fairness and transparency.

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