OPPOSITION AND GOVERNMENT MEMBERS VOICE CONCERN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 006013

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/16/2017
TAGS: PGOV PINR CO
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION AND GOVERNMENT MEMBERS VOICE CONCERN
OVER UPCOMING ELECTIONS AND NEED FOR OAS PRESENCE

REF: A. BOGOTA 5665 B. BOGOTA 5431 C. BOGOTA 2101

Classified By: Political Counselor John Creamer for reasons 1.4 (b) and
(d).


1. (U) Summary: As the October 28 regional elections
approach, concerns over the integrity of elections are
surfacing. Opposition politicians and GOC officials voiced
concern that paramilitaries, the FARC, ELN and
narco-traffickers will affect the outcomes in certain
regions. Opposition leaders also fear the elections may be
marred by fraud and vote buying, especially in areas
previously controlled by paramilitaries. The GOC is taking
steps to ensure transparency and prevent illegal armed groups
from influencing the results, but it is imperative the OAS
deploy an observer mission with sufficient lead time to help
guard against interference in the process. End Summary.


2. (U) In an interview on August 12 in "El Tiempo," Inspector
General (Procurador) Edgardo Maya said &there is no
guarantee of transparency8 in the October elections. Maya
highlighted the need for election reform, including an
overhaul of the electoral system and electoral code. He said
the current system creates opportunities for voter fraud,
manipulation and intimidation, and suggested that in the long
term Colombia should move to electronic voting. He said the
OAS electoral observation mission would play an important
role in averting fraud and intimidation, and suggested it be
led by someone of high stature, such as ex-Chilean President
Ricardo Lagos.


3. (U) Registrar Juan Carlos Galindo replied in an August 13
interview in El Tiempo that the GOC is doing everything it
can to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections. He
agreed with Maya on the need for further reforms and
financial accountability, but explained the GOC is working
with local authorities, the Colombian National Police, the
Department of Administrative Security (DAS),and the military
to ensure the October elections' integrity. Galindo noted
the GOC had requested the OAS to observe the elections and
would work closely with the group to address problems.


4. (U) President Uribe said the GOC continues to consolidate
efforts to protect the integrity of elections. GOC civilian
and security services are holding weekly meetings to ensure
preparedness and transparency. In addition, the GOC has set
up an inter-agency task force to respond to any problems that
might arise during the election period. He called on all
candidates to agree to a pact of transparency, stating that
they owe it to the Colombian people. Governing coalition
parties signed a transparency pact on March 27, but a
proposed election reform package stalled in congress.


5. (C) Opposition Polo Democratico President Carlos Gaviria
told us he supports GOC efforts to protect the integrity of
the elections and believes it is committed to achieving this
goal. Polo Senator Gustavo Petro told us the GOC has made
progress, but more needs to be done. He expressed concerns
about voter fraud and vote buying. Petro said politicians
jailed for paramilitary ties--such as former Sucre Senators
"Gordo" Garcia and Jario Merlano--lost their muscle with the
paramilitary demobilization, but continue to wield power
through their control of local government machinery and
access to narcotics money. Petro said it is key the OAS
deploy a robust observation mission soon to make it more
difficult for corrupt politicians to engage in fraud.
Meanwhile, El Tiempo reported August 16 that the FARC has
kidnapped three candidates in Antioquia Department over the
last month.
Nichols