Colombia’s government has issued a decree outlining a temporary ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, and the carrying of firearms so as to maintain order during the upcoming presidential elections.
The Ministry of the Interior said on Wednesday that it has issued Decree 891, which issued measures to maintain public order during the election scheduled for 25 May and a possible second round on June 15.
One of the key provisions is the usual “dry law” which prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol across the country from six in the afternoon of Saturday, May 24 until 6 am on Monday, May 26 , and from 6 pm on Saturday, June 14 and until six in the morning of Monday, June 16.
It also states that the military will take the necessary measures for the general suspension of permits to carry weapons across the country.
This will apply from Friday 23 May to Wednesday 28 May and from June to Friday 13 Wednesday June 18.
In addition, river and land border crossings will be closed during the period between 4 am on May 24 and 4 pm on May 25, and from 4 pm on June 14 until 4 pm June 15, if the election goes to a second round.
Furthermore, political propaganda in the media is banned in the week leading up to the election, and presidential candidates will be unable to make public statements to the press or release any other kind of propaganda.
Sources
- Listo decreto de orden público para elecciones presidenciales 2014 (Ministerio del Interior)