Electoral violence left 80 victims in Colombia within five months - and elections are still six mont

[Judi Lynn]

by Emily Hart April 11, 2019

Elections are on the horizon in Colombia, and violence and insecurity are already ramping up to concerning levels. Though campaigns have not officially begun, there are already 80 victims – including 18 precandidates – according to a new report by the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation’s information unit.

Traditionally, violence is just another mechanism of electoral competition.

The Peace and Reconciliation Foundation

Between November and April, four people were murdered and one is missing. Local politicians face the most persecution: 33 councilors, four deputies and one mayor have been victims of violence.

At the local level, three corruption whistleblowers, five public officials and one indigenous leader have also been targeted. At the national level, seven congressmen have suffered violence.

21% of incidents were carried out against government-affiliated individuals, and 35% against opposition politicians. The criminal group Aguilas Negras target opposition groups, though no murders can be attributed to them.

More:
https://colombiareports.com/80-victims-of-electoral-violence-within-five-months-and-elections-are-still-six-months-away/

(Aquilas Negras (black eagles) is a group composed of former right-wing death-squad paramilitaries, the A.U.C., which went through the motions of dissolving their organization. According to human rights groups, they simply reappeared in smaller groups with new names.)