Colombia: Second round of elections June 17 /update 1

Event

Colombians went to the polls en masse on Sunday, May 27, to choose their next president. However, no one candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote and as such a run-off election will be held on Sunday, June 17. Ivan Duque of the right-wing Centro Democrático party will face off against runner-up Gustavo Petro of the left-wing Movimiento Progresistas.

Political rallies and protests may take place ahead of the vote as well as after the release of the election results. Heightened security measures are to be anticipated in the vicinity of polling stations on election day. Political violence (assassinations, attacks on electoral officials or polling stations) is possible, notably in areas plagued by organized crime.

Colombia’s land and maritime borders will almost certainly be closed ahead of the election, as is customary. The exact timing of the closures will likely be released in the week preceding the vote. International flights should continue to operate as normal.

Advice

Individuals are advised to plan travel to and from Colombia accordingly, avoid political events and polling stations as a precaution, and adhere to all local regulations. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, and local gangs in addition to the ELN - many Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country (particularly rural zones).