Colombia's presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella of the Salvadores de la Patria movement gestures as he speaks to supporters behind bulletproof glass during a campaign rally in Cartagena, Colombia, on June 9, 2026. Colombia will hold the runoff presidential election on June 21. (Photo by Manuel PEDRAZA / AFP via Getty Images)
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is urging prosecutors to investigate possible voter coercion by rebel groups in favor of governing party candidate Iván Cepeda. De la Espriella made the call for an inquiry on Tuesday. His campaign says Cepeda received more than 70% of votes in areas with active illegal armed groups during the May 31 election. Cepeda is an ally of President Gustavo Petro. Cepeda hasn’t responded to the accusations. The European Union electoral mission received complaints of voter pressure but didn’t specify for which candidates. De la Espriella is leading the first round. He promises a tougher stance on rebels which contrasts with Cepeda’s negotiation approach.
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