Colombia: Anti-corruption referendum August 26

Event

Colombian citizens will vote on a series of anti-corruption measures on Sunday, August 26. The referendum includes seven measures intended to prevent government corruption including reducing salaries, allowing citizens to participate in budget debates, increasing campaign financing transparency, limiting lawmakers to three terms, and confiscating lawmakers’ illegal income. A dry law will be in affect nationwide from 18:00 (local time) on Saturday, August 25, through 06:00 on Monday, August 27. According to media reports, a campaign against the reforms have not been announced as of late June. Associated demonstrations are possible in weeks leading up to the referendum.

Context

According to public polls, Congress is widely considered to be the country’s most corrupt institution. The anti-corruption proposals have been pushed by the Green Alliance, which collected millions of signatures in June in support of holding the referendum. At least six million voters must vote in favor of the measures in order for them to become law. If more than 70 percent of voters abstain from participating in the referendum then it will be declared invalid.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to avoid political events and polling stations as a precaution and adhere to all local regulations. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, and local gangs in addition to the ELN - many Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country (particularly rural zones).