Colombia: The European Union deploys an Election Observation Mission

In response to an invitation by the Colombian authorities, an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) will be deployed to observe the 2026 legislative and presidential elections in Colombia.

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has appointed Esteban González Pons, Vice-president of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.

Esteban González Pons declared: "I am deeply honoured to have been asked to lead the EU EOM to Colombia and I look forward to contributing to uphold the electoral guarantees in a country with a long tradition of holding transparent and credible elections. These polls will take place at an important historical moment and are an opportunity for all stakeholders to work towards cementing the country’s democratic credentials.” 

Background
 
The EU EOM will provide a comprehensive, independent, and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on international and regional standards for democratic elections. 

The EU EOM will be composed by different groups of observers. The Core Team will consist of 10 election experts who are scheduled to arrive in Colombia on 26 January 2026. 38 long-term observers will then join the mission in the second week of February and will be deployed across the country. Finally, at least an additional 46 short-term observers will reinforce the mission on each election day. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.

In line with the EU methodology on election observation, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference shortly after each election. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.