EU Monitors Reject Fraud Claims in Colombia Election

European Union election observers said Tuesday, June 2, 2026, that they found no evidence of fraud in Colombia’s presidential election, pushing back against allegations raised after Sunday’s first-round vote.

The European Union Election Observation Mission said its preliminary assessment concluded the voting was “transparent, orderly, and smooth.” The mission said it deployed 143 observers who monitored 591 polling stations across the country.

The first round produced a close contest between far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda. Preliminary results cited in the mission’s briefing put de la Espriella first with 43.7% of the vote and Cepeda second with 40.9%.

The two candidates are set to face each other in a run-off election on June 21.

Observer mission cites orderly vote despite security risks

Esteban Gonzalez Pons, the head of the EU mission, said Colombia delivered a successful democratic process despite the presence of illegal armed groups in parts of the country, questions about the electoral system, and growing political polarization.

The mission’s comments came as claims of irregularities circulated online and among political figures after the vote count began. Observers said they did not see evidence supporting those allegations in their initial findings.

Petro questions preliminary count; Cepeda acknowledges no issues

Outgoing President Gustavo Petro publicly questioned the preliminary count and alleged that software used by private firms added “hundreds of thousands of votes” to the tally. He said he would only accept results produced by oversight commissions presided over by judges.

Cepeda initially declined to comment on the results but later said he had not found irregularities. De la Espriella, meanwhile, accused Petro and Cepeda of trying to undermine the election.

Leire Pajín Iraola, who led a European Parliament delegation within the observer mission, said election day proceeded peacefully, with broad citizen participation and respect for democratic institutions. She said she hoped the second round would unfold in the same way.

Colombia has faced allegations of vote-buying and fraud in past elections, but the EU mission said its preliminary assessment found no such evidence in Sunday’s vote. The mission is expected to continue monitoring ahead of the June 21 run-off.