Colombian authorities have mobilized military forces and activated 'all their capabilities' to locate two missing political candidates, Andrés Vásquez for the Senate and Ana Guetio for the House of Representatives. The announcement comes from Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez, who confirmed the candidates' disappearance within the last 24 hours under separate circumstances. With elections scheduled for March 8, the government emphasizes its commitment to ensuring political rights are exercised without fear of violence.

Minister Sánchez highlighted on social media that the authorities will not allow fear or violence to interfere with the political rights of citizens in any part of the country. He assured that no effort would be spared to ensure the safe return of the missing candidates. In response to their disappearance, criminal investigation units, intelligence, search, and rescue teams from both the Army and Police have been deployed to aid in the search effort.

Additionally, the urgency of the situation is exacerbated by the proximity of the legislative elections, raising concerns over political stability and safety for candidates in Colombia. The Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, is also involved in discussions surrounding the candidates' safety, highlighting the serious implications of this incident on the upcoming elections and the broader political landscape in the country.