Four weeks before the Juntas de Acción Comunal (JAC) elections on April 26 in Huila, 80% of organizations are submitting single slates due to a lack of candidates, particularly in rural areas. Threats from dissident groups and pressures have led to at least 10 leader assassinations in the past four years. Authorities are ensuring security for the process.
In Huila's 37 municipalities, around 2,000 communal action boards will renew their officials on April 26, 2026. Luis Humberto Soto, vice president of the Huila Communal Action Federation, reported that 80% of organizations are opting for single slates due to disinterest in positions like president or treasurer, worsened by pressures from dissident groups.
Over the past four years, about 10 communal leaders have been assassinated, while 60% have faced threats, leading to resignations or abandonment of duties. Soto noted general demotivation in rural areas, with some boards at minimum affiliates. The Ombudsman's Office, via Quimberly Ninoska Trujillo Lugo, warned of armed illegal groups instrumentalizing leaders in municipalities like Algeciras and Campoalegre.
Only 30-40% of mayoralties support the process, per Soto, some fearing oversight. Liliana Vásquez, Huila's Government Secretary, announced monitoring with the Public Force, troop reinforcement, and patrols in risk areas to ensure safe and participatory elections.
The slate submission deadline is April 24 or 25, after tribunals of guarantees were elected on March 26.
