Senator Rick Scott is calling for immediate clarity from the State Department as Colombia’s upcoming presidential election faces a wave of political violence and instability.
In a formal letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, Scott demanded a detailed report on what the U.S. is doing to ensure the vote remains free and fair amidst a “deeply concerning” security environment.
The request follows a series of reports, including an assessment from the International Republican Institute (IRI), which indicates that illegal armed groups are expanding their reach.
These groups are reportedly restricting where candidates can travel and threatening the safety of voters in several regions. Scott pointed out that these conditions, combined with a rise in targeted killings and political assassinations, cast a shadow over the democratic process.
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“Historically, as one of the United States’ closest democratic and security partners in the hemisphere, Colombia’s ability to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election is of vital importance to our shared interests,” Scott wrote.
The Senator is pushing the State Department for specific answers on four fronts: the technical assistance being provided to Colombian officials, the support for international election observers, contingency plans if violence escalates before Election Day, and how the U.S. is coordinating with other global allies to protect the vote.
As a representative for Florida’s large Colombian-American community, Scott emphasized that the outcome of this election will have a lasting impact on regional stability.
He urged Secretary Rubio to maintain “sustained and visible” leadership to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without fear of intimidation or retribution.
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