The Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) released its first report on the March 8, 2026, legislative election day, noting overall normality but at least 91 possible irregularities and crimes in 49 municipalities. Based on 70% of deployed observers, it highlights voter pressures and propaganda near polling stations. Heavy rains led to voting post relocations affecting thousands of voters.
The Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) issued its initial report on the opening of the March 8, 2026, elections to the Congress of the Republic and interparty consultations. As of 10:30 a.m., the organization described the day as one of 'normalcy,' though it recorded at least 91 possible irregularities and electoral crimes in 49 municipalities. This document compiles reports from 70% of electoral observers, 14% of whom are in rural areas.
Among the highlighted irregularities, 34% of reports refer to possible pressures or incentives on voters, including cases where 'there are people who enter the voting booth with voters and mark the ballots for the citizens.' The areas with the most incidents are Bogotá, Barranquilla, Sincelejo, and Popayán. Another 35% of reports concern political propaganda near voting stations, concentrated in Bogotá, Medellín, Barrancabermeja, and Soacha.
The country's rainy season caused the relocation of six voting posts that day: five in Cauca, in Caldono, López de Micay, and Corinto, and one in Antioquia, in San Andrés de Cuerquia. This adds to 20 prior relocations on Friday and Saturday in Córdoba and Caquetá, affecting at least 77,488 eligible voters, according to the MOE.
