The broadcast of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe’s town hall meetings will be suspended until after the presidential elections in May, authorities announced Thursday, contradicting Wednesday’s announcement that the broadcasts would resume imminently, reported Colombian media.
A statement from the Colombian goverment headquarters, Casa de Nariño, explained that the meetings will not be broadcast, in order to ensure that they do not influence the electoral process.
The decision to maintain the suspension of the broadcasts was made by members of the Colombian government, with the advice of the country’s Inspector General Alejandro Ordoñez.
Presidential Advisor Miguel Peñaloza said, “While there is no possibility that the president is a candidate … a candidate might benefit from attending the councils.”
The official explained that it will be difficult to prevent political campaigning at the events.
President Uribe will continue to chair the town hall meetings, which are held weekly around the country and designed to put the president in closer contact with citizens.