Colombia’s government mapped electoral corruption risk in 978 of 1103 municipalities, and said Friday authorities will make a strong effort to ensure consistency in the October elections.
| {japopup type=”image”content=”pics/2011/mphoto/risk1.jpg” title=”Presence and activity of illegal armed groups”} |
| {japopup type=”image”content=”pics/2011/mphoto/risk2.jpg” title=”Electoral corruption, acts and crimes against electoral processes and interference of illegal armed groups”} |
The maps reveal that the departments of highest risk to electoral corruption or potential for strong-arming political candidates are in the departments of Arauca, Meta, Casanare, Huila, Antioquia and Sucre.
Another 169 municipalities are labeled as “high threat,” 187 are at a “medium threat” level, and 620 “low level.”
The areas of greatest risk coincide with the presence of illegal armed groups.
According to the maps, there are 36 regions with organized guerrilla groups’ presence. The report identified 24 FARC groups, 10 ELN, and two neo-paramilitary groups.
There are also 52 areas with documented threats against political candidates.
Almost 44 percent of territory on the maps is labeled as “undetermined.” Many of these undetermined areas are associated with high levels of activity from guerrilla armed group the FARC.
The government said in the report that it will concentrate on ensuring that people can access polling stations, that candidates can safely campaign, and that their lives and members of political office are protected.