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Think-tank blacklists election candidates
A prominent Colombian think-tank, New Rainbow Corporation, says widespread election fraud in 78 municipalities across the country is a problem, ahead of local elections in October, according to a recent investigation by the group.
On the group’s blacklist are 80 candidates from different political parties, who they say should not be allowed to campaign for office because they have either received money and/or have alleged or proven links to criminals groups, known drug traffickers, and/or illegal armed groups.
Some candidates and or their relatives are under criminal investigation, and as such should not be allowed to take part in the local elections, the New Rainbow Corporation says.
The findings have raised controversy among some candidates named on the blacklist who say the accusations are false.
The government has urged all political parties to do a background check on all their candidates and immediately suspend those not fit to run for office.
On Oct. 30, Colombians will vote for new mayors, governors, local council members and deputies.
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