The latest attacks on Colombian democracy are nothing short of alarming. This week, Colombian President Gustavo Petro exposed the latest instance of anti-constitutional lawfare, with the National Electoral Council (CNE) launching unprecedented charges against him. These charges — alleging that Petro’s 2022 campaign exceeded legal finance caps through support from unions — are nothing more than a coordinated attempt to criminalize the political organizing of workers and delegitimize a democratically elected president.
In Petro’s words: “I ask the world to pay attention to Colombia and help us defend our democracy.” This is a call to action: a call to international solidarity with the Colombian people as they face an unconstitutional assault on their electoral victory. Article 199 of Colombia’s Constitution is clear: the President can only be charged by Congress, and the CNE has absolutely no authority to investigate him. Yet, far-right forces are shamelessly ignoring this law in their bid to destabilize Colombia’s progressive leadership.
While the CNE narrowly shelved the earlier investigation into the supposed early start of the campaign, the case of alleged campaign finance violations continues. This is a far-right, coordinated effort to disrupt Colombia’s democratic progress. This coup attempt is being orchestrated by the same corrupt actors who have long oppressed the Colombian people. Álvaro Prada, the CNE magistrate leading these charges, is an ally of former president Álvaro Uribe, notorious for his ties to paramilitary groups. Prada himself is awaiting trial for suborning witnesses to cover up these connections. And César Lorduy, the CNE’s president, faces disturbing accusations of extortion, sexual violence, and even femicide.
CODEPINK stands firmly against the unconstitutional actions of the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the far-right forces attempting to undermine Colombia’s hard-won democracy. This coordinated assault is not just an attack on President Petro but on the millions of people who voted for a future rooted in justice, equality, and peace.
We call on the international community to heed this urgent plea for solidarity with Colombia’s people in defense of their democracy against the forces of repression and exploitation.
