• The MOE highlights the coordinated work among different State institutions to ensure that no polling station was relocated due to public order concerns during this electoral day.

• The MOE reminds citizens that the preliminary count (preconteo) is for informational purposes only and that the official election results are determined through the scrutiny process, which also begins once the polls close.

• Throughout Election Day, the MOE received 319 reports of alleged anomalies, irregularities, and electoral offenses through the platform www.pilasconelvoto.com.

Bogotá, D.C., May 31, 2026. Colombia’s civil society Electoral Observation Mission -MOE- presents to authorities, media outlets, political organizations, candidates, and citizens its closing observation report on the first round of the 2026 Presidential Elections.

The MOE extends its gratitude to all individuals who voluntarily participated in electoral observation today, both throughout Colombia and in 49 cities across 27 countries. It also recognizes the work that will continue to be carried out by MOE team members who will observe the scrutiny process in the coming days.

Likewise, the MOE highlights the speed with which the National Civil Registry (RNEC) disseminated preliminary election results, in accordance with the simulations that had previously been conducted.

This report compiles information received up to 6:00 p.m. from electoral observers, as well as reports submitted by citizens through the platform www.pilasconelvoto.com and WhatsApp number 3152661969.

The main findings include:

1. Public Order Incidents

In assessing the results of this electoral day, the MOE highlights the effective coordination between the Public Force and the electoral authorities. This collaboration ensured coverage and security for the 13,471 polling stations established throughout the national territory, with none of them experiencing incidents that required closure or relocation.
Nevertheless, several localized incidents were reported in rural areas:
(i) In the district of Filo Gringo, municipality of El Tarra (Norte de Santander), clashes occurred between two illegal armed groups.
(ii) In a rural area of El Paujil (Caquetá), the detonation of an explosive device was reported.
(iii) In the department of Nariño, citizens reported mobility restrictions imposed by Organized Armed Groups.
(iv) At the close of the electoral day, the National Civil Registry reported that two men entered the polling station located in the village of La Angalia, municipality of Tibú (Norte de Santander), and damaged the E-14 forms. However, it was confirmed that the electoral materials from this polling station were secured and remain under custody.
Despite these incidents, it is important to note that none of them affected the overall conduct of the electoral process.

2. Pilas con el Voto
As of 6:00 p.m., 319 reports of potential electoral irregularities had been received through www.pilasconelvoto.com, originating from 85 municipalities across 27 departments and Bogotá. Additional reports were received from abroad, particularly from Canada, the United States, and Malta.

Irregularities at Polling Stations
Twenty-nine percent (29%) of reports received relate to possible irregularities in the operation of polling stations. The main citizen alerts concern congestion and long waiting times; the absence or inadequate operation of electoral justice desks; accessibility challenges for older adults and people with reduced mobility; as well as changes in voting table locations without sufficient information for voters.
Reports also referred to logistical conditions that could affect ballot secrecy, particularly the placement of voting booths. Additional alerts involved problems with voter identification and biometric authentication procedures, as well as difficulties accessing electoral consultation and information platforms.
Reports were concentrated mainly in Bogotá and Ibagué (Tolima), followed by Medellín (Antioquia), Santa Marta (Magdalena), Acacías (Meta), Pasto (Nariño), and Santa Rosa de Viterbo (Boyacá).
Abroad, reports primarily related to the insufficient capacity of some polling stations, long waiting times, access difficulties for voters, and inadequate information regarding voting schedules. These situations were reported mainly in Montreal (Canada) and Valletta (Malta).

Irregularities in the Exercise of Public Functions
Twenty-four percent (24%) of reports concern possible irregularities involving the exercise of public functions during Election Day. Citizens reported alleged failures by polling officials to comply with their duties, including the use of mobile devices at voting tables and errors in the implementation of electoral procedures.

Reports were also received regarding restrictions on access to polling stations for electoral witnesses, as well as inconsistencies in the completion of electoral certificates and voter registration records. These reports originated primarily from Ibagué (Tolima) and Bogotá, followed by Medellín (Antioquia), San José del Guaviare (Guaviare), and municipalities within the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga (Santander).

Irregularities Affecting Freedom of the Vote
Twenty percent (20%) of citizen reports refer to situations that could affect voter autonomy, freedom, and ballot secrecy. Reports describe alleged voter intimidation and coercion, possible vote-buying schemes, and irregular transportation or mobilization of voters.
Situations involving improper assistance to voters and circumstances that could compromise ballot secrecy—such as third-party intervention in marking ballots—were also reported. Additionally, some citizens reported that when they attempted to vote, records indicated that a vote had already been cast in their name, or that the corresponding section of Form E-11 had already been completed, raising concerns about possible impersonation or registration errors.
Reports were concentrated mainly in Bogotá, Ibagué (Tolima), Valledupar (Cesar), Barrancabermeja and Bucaramanga (Santander), Pasto (Nariño), Cali (Valle del Cauca), and municipalities in Boyacá, including Boavita, Maripí, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Sogamoso, and Villa de Leyva.

Political Advertising and Campaigning Violations
Although electoral regulations prohibit political campaigning on Election Day, 19% of reports relate to possible violations of this rule. Citizen complaints refer to campaign advertising near polling stations or on digital platforms; the unauthorized use of personal data to distribute campaign messages via text messages and messaging applications; and the use of campaign-related insignia, clothing, and symbols.

These reports were concentrated mainly in Bogotá, Valledupar (Cesar), Medellín and municipalities of the Aburrá Valley (Antioquia), Cartagena de Indias (Bolívar), and municipalities in Santander. Additional reports were received from Armenia (Quindío), Sincelejo (Sucre), Pereira (Risaralda), Ibagué (Tolima), and other municipalities across the country.

3. Observation Report on Poll Closing and Vote Counting
The MOE concluded its observation activities today with information collected during the closing of voting tables. Seventy percent (70%) of the polling-station observation team submitted reports as of 6:00 p.m. Based on this exercise, the following information was collected:

At 12% of the observed voting tables, it was necessary to conduct the table leveling procedure (nivelación) during vote counting. The MOE recommends strengthening training processes for poll workers and other electoral actors, particularly regarding ballot box custody, ballot-paper control, and proper voter registration procedures.
In addition, electoral witnesses requested a physical recount of votes during table-leveling procedures at 21% of the observed voting tables. Such requests may lead to formal complaints that must be properly documented and submitted for review by the relevant authorities.

According to observer reports, 80% of E-14 forms were completed without erasures or corrections. Overall, the results reflect an adequate completion of forms by polling officials. However, it remains necessary to strengthen oversight and review mechanisms to further improve the completion of electoral records.
In conclusion, observation findings indicate that the closing and vote-counting processes generally followed established procedures. Nevertheless, challenges remain that require attention in order to strengthen the proper performance of poll workers’ duties and ensure the transparency, traceability, and reliability of the electoral process.

4. Electoral Observation with a Differential Approach
For these elections, the MOE continued its electoral observation efforts using differential approaches. This with the objective of monitoring the conditions under which transgender persons and persons with disabilities exercised their right to vote. A total of 66 observers were deployed across seven departments and Bogotá, D.C.
As a general finding, 60% of observers from the broader observation deployment reported that informational posters containing QR codes linking to protocols protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and transgender persons were not displayed. Regarding this point, the MOE recalls that the display of these QR-code posters at polling stations is a key measure for promoting awareness and guaranteeing the rights of these population groups, because of which their present is fundamental throughout the electoral day.

Observation with a Trans Differential Approach
In partnership with Fundación GAAT and Caribe Afirmativo, the MOE conducted an observation exercise focused on monitoring implementation of the Trans Voting Protocol (CNE Resolution 3480 of 2020).
A total of 53 transgender observers were deployed in Bogotá, Antioquia, Norte de Santander, Valle del Cauca, Huila, Santander, Atlántico, Magdalena, and Bolívar. Key findings include:

• Polling station authorities requested additional documentation or procedures from two (2) transgender observers to verify their identity.

• A total of seven (7) cases were recorded in which transgender persons experienced or witnessed disrespectful comments or treatment regarding their gender identity or expression. These incidents occurred in Medellín (Antioquia), Bogotá, Buenaventura and Cali (Valle del Cauca), Bucaramanga (Santander), and Barranquilla (Atlántico). In most cases, repeated references were made using terms inconsistent with the individuals’ gender identity, even after they had indicated the appropriate way to address them.

These findings demonstrate that there is still room for improvement in the implementation of the Trans Voting Protocol. And in the face of disrespectful treatments and inappropriate requests of additional documentation, the MOE also encourages the National Civil Registry to reinforce messages promoting a fair treatment and compliance with existing regulations on this matter.

Observation with a Disability-Based Differential Approach

With support from Best Buddies Colombia, ASDOWN Colombia, and the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), the MOE conducted an electoral observation exercise led by persons with intellectual and hearing disabilities in Bogotá, Cali, Bucaramanga, Medellín, and the municipality of Caldas (Antioquia). The MOE highlights that none of the 13 observers with disabilities reported obstacles or difficulties in carrying out their observation duties.

However -and according to the broader observation deployment-, in 17% of observed polling stations, observers considered that adequate mobility conditions for people with disabilities were lacking. Equally, in 12% of polling stations observers were unable to identify voting booths with reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.

Through Pilas con el Voto, the MOE also received 16 reports concerning insufficient electoral materials, including Braille ballot templates and accessible voting booths, infrastructure barriers at polling stations, and improper implementation of ballot-box relocation protocols. These situations were reported in Bogotá, Pasto (Nariño), Ibagué and Guamo (Tolima), Barrancabermeja and Bucaramanga (Santander), Medellín (Antioquia), and Sogamoso (Boyacá).

5. Dissemination of Electoral Results
The MOE reminds citizens that preliminary count bulletins (preconteo) are for informational purposes only. The scrutiny process, conducted by judges and notaries serving on scrutiny commissions, is the stage during which all voting table results are aggregated, complaints are reviewed, and electoral records are examined so that the National Electoral Council may officially declare the election results.

PUBLICACIONES RELACIONADAS:

• Second report Electoral Observation Mission MOE – Elections to the Presidency of the Republic. First round
• Second Report of the Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) – Presidential Elections, First Round – May 31, 2026
• Second report Election Observation Mission – MOE Elections to the presidency of the republic second round
• Second report Electoral Observation Mission Colombia – Congressional Elections and inter-party consultations – March 13, 2022
• First Report of the Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) – Presidential Elections, First Round – May 31, 2026