Full Breakdown
Campaign Workers Killed in Meta Province Ahead of Colombian Presidential Election
5/18/2026, 12:51:49 AM
The Fatal Attack in Cubarral
On the night of 16 May 2026, two campaign staffers for right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella were shot dead in Cubarral, Meta. Former mayor Rogers Mauricio Devia Escoba and logistics adviser Eder Fabian Cardona Lopez were intercepted by four hooded men on motorcycles while returning from Villavicencio with materials. No group claimed responsibility.
Context of Violence in Meta
Meta has long been a stronghold for armed groups and drug trafficking. Since the 2016 peace accord, dissident factions that split from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have continued illegal activities, including kidnappings. Insecurity in the region has become a recurring theme in the 2026 presidential race.
Principal Actors
Abelardo De La Espriella, leader of the Defenders of the Homeland party, is polling second behind left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda. He presents himself as a hard-line opponent of guerrillas, criminal gangs, and drug cultivation. The victims, Devia and Cardona, were operatives in his local campaign. Other candidates, including Senator Paloma Valencia, have reported threats.
Election Landscape
Fourteen candidates were registered by March. Polls show Cepeda at 37-40 % support, De La Espriella at just over 20 %, and Valencia trailing. The first round is set for 31 May 2026; a runoff would follow on 21 June if no candidate exceeds 50 %.
Official Statements & Responses
De La Espriella’s campaign blamed a dissident FARC faction, though authorities have not confirmed any armed group’s involvement. The Citizens’ Rights Ombudsman warned the violence could impede the “exercise of political rights and democratic participation.” Government investigators have opened a case but have not released further details.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers note De La Espriella’s accusation lacks publicly presented evidence, raising concerns about politicizing the incident. Human-rights groups say intimidation undermines competition and may deter voters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The ombudsman recorded another attack on a former mayoral candidate in the same area, but no further information is available. No group has claimed responsibility, leaving the perpetrators’ identity uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were cowardly murdered in cold blood,” — Abelardo De La Espriella, presidential candidate
- “Their only crime was believing in the Fatherland and not kneeling before the violent,” — Abelardo De La Espriella, X post
- “Violence, threats, and any form of intimidation undermine public debate, deepen risks for political and social leaderships, and weaken democratic coexistence,” — Citizens’ Rights Ombudsman, statement
- “exercise of political rights and democratic participation” — Citizens’ Rights Ombudsman, statement
What's Next
Investigations continue as the nation approaches the 31 May vote. Security measures for candidates have been heightened, and the election commission has pledged to monitor any further incidents that could affect the electoral process.
