The Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) has warned that 19 of the 42 municipalities in Valle del Cauca face risks from violence and fraud in the March 8, 2026, legislative elections. The report identifies ten municipalities at extreme risk, three at high risk, and six at medium risk. Factors such as interference by armed groups and past irregularities raise particular concern in areas like Buenaventura.
Just days before the March 8, 2026, legislative elections, the Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) released its report “Mapas y factores de riesgo electoral. Elecciones nacionales 2026”, highlighting vulnerabilities in Valle del Cauca. Of the department's 42 municipalities, 19 show some level of risk linked to violence or electoral fraud.
On violence, ten municipalities are rated at extreme risk, including Buenaventura, Dagua, and El Dovio, where threats combine interference by armed groups, the intensity of armed conflict, attacks on social leaders, and mobility restrictions that could hinder voting. Alejandro Sánchez, the MOE's regional coordinator, stated that these elements directly impact the right to vote in rural areas. Palmira is also at extreme violence risk, while Calima, Guacarí, and Riofrío are at high risk. At medium risk are Bolívar, Cartago, El Águila, El Cerrito, El Dovio, and San Pedro.
Regarding electoral fraud, the MOE reviewed the 2014, 2018, and 2022 elections, examining variables such as turnout, null and unmarked votes, and electoral dominance. For House of Representatives elections, Buenaventura and El Dovio show high risk, with Caicedonia, Dagua, and Ulloa at medium risk. For Senate elections, Buenaventura, Caicedonia, El Dovio, and Ulloa are at medium risk.
The situation in Buenaventura raises particular alarm due to the presence of armed structures and disputes between illegal groups in rural areas, where representatives for the Transitional Special Peace Constituencies (Citrep) are also elected. The MOE urges citizens to report irregularities via the platforms “pilasconelvoto.com” and “Uriel” to ensure a transparent process.
