Colombia deploys forces in Bogota ahead of presidential elections

Colombia has deployed military and police forces in dangerous areas in the capital Bogota to curb escalating violence ahead of presidential elections on May 29th.

Bogota’s Mayor Office said forces remained of the highest state of alert after a terrorist attack against a police station in a popular neighborhood of the city left two children killed and 30 other people wounded.

The Colombian Government launched a “Democracy Plan” earlier this month, deploying more than 210,000 men and women to ensure fair and transparent elections. But the decision to deploy military forces ahead of the elections has received mixed reactions from people and candidates.

Colombian Presidential Candidate Gustavo Petro said A kind of infinite and permanent violence impedes the development of the country and deprives people of even enjoying the life. Miguel Burbano, a Citizen, said the move would tighten the state’s grip on the security of the country.

On the other hand, Ruben Giraldo, another citizen, expressed outrage, saying people need to express their opinion and choose their candidates without deploying forces.

Fredy Hilarion said the Democracy Plan is not guaranteed that some people can vote in the elections in guerrilla-held regions. Colombian Presidential Candidate Gustavo Petro said a kind of infinite and permanent violence impedes the development of the country and deprives people of even enjoying the life.

Natalia Rodriguez said the national government has a big challenge in the upcoming elections as electoral manipulation was committed in the previous elections.