Colombia presidential election campaign staff targeted in deadly attacks

Two campaign staffers for right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella have been killed in Colombia, according to the country’s citizens’ rights office. The victims, identified as Rogers Mauricio Devia Escoba and Eder Fabian Cardona Lopez, were shot by gunmen on motorbikes in the central department of Meta on Friday night.

De la Espriella announced the killings on social media, stating that the two staffers “walked the streets defending democracy, freedom, and the hope of millions of Colombians”. The ombudsman’s office has warned that the attacks could affect the “exercise of political rights and democratic participation” in the upcoming election on May 31.

The citizens’ rights office has also reported another attack against a former mayoral candidate in the area, but provided no further details. The investigation into the killings is ongoing.

Colombia’s presidential campaign is taking place ahead of the May vote to replace Gustavo Petro, who is stepping down as the country’s first leftist leader. Polls show left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda leading the race with over 37% support, followed by centre-right Senator Paloma Valencia and right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella.

At least three candidates have reported receiving death threats, and the frontrunners travel with heavy security. Last year, Cepeda’s vice presidential running mate was briefly kidnapped by a rebel group that broke away from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Source: Al Jazeera