Feb 15 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Kidnappings and the Right Defending the Minimum Wage: The Unpredictable Marks the Campaign in Colombia

The kidnapping of an indigenous senator highlights security concerns in Colombia during a critical election period.

In Colombia, the recent kidnapping of indigenous senator Aida Quilcué has underscored significant security concerns as the country approaches important legislative and presidential elections. Following the incident where armed men intercepted her vehicle in a mountainous region, national security forces were promptly mobilized, and fortunately, she and her team were recovered unharmed. However, this event serves as a chilling reminder of the precarious security situation in the country, where even high-profile individuals with security escorts are not immune to such violence.

As the electoral campaign intensifies, the atmosphere remains charged with unpredictability, particularly in light of rising violence and public safety issues. Just days before Quilcué's kidnapping, armed guerrillas had displayed their firepower in public, suggesting that the threat extends beyond individual candidates. This environment has prompted various political factions, particularly from the right, to mobilize in defense of the minimum wage and economic stability, positioning these issues at the forefront of the electoral discourse.

With legislative elections scheduled for March 8 and presidential elections soon after, political parties are grappling with the dual challenges of security and public economic concerns. The unfolding events indicate a complex electoral landscape where candidates must navigate not only policy debates but also the tangible threats posed by violence, raising questions about the ability to conduct free and fair elections in such an unstable context.

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