For the first time in Colombia’s history, polling stations will officially open from outside Bogotá
Minutes before 8:00 a.m. this Sunday, National Registrar Alexander Vega spoke at the event to mark the official opening of the polling stations for the regional elections. He made it from Armenia, Quindío, in the coffee zone. “Why did I choose Quindío and did we choose Armenia? Because one day Colombia will be like Quindío, a territory of peace, reconciliation and greatness,” he assured.
The registrar announced that the company did not have to move a polling station to another location. This means that the voting process begins quietly. Vega thanked the army and police for their work that allows them to reach the entire national territory. “What benefit would it be for the registrar to have polling places without the ability to get there with this great logistical force?” Vega asked rhetorically.
He also referred to Gamarra, César, a municipality where the headquarters of the registry office was burned down this Saturday. One officer died and two other people suffered serious burns and are being treated at a hospital. This event marred preparations for the elections, just a day before polls opened. This happened when a group of demonstrators arrived at the site to protest against the decision of the National Electoral Council to confirm the recall of one of the candidates for mayor of this municipality. However, according to Vega, polling stations have been located in this Caribbean community and no further violent incidents have been reported so far.