Petro calls for mobilization and questions CNE investigation for alleged violation of electoral limits

He denounced that he had started a “coup d’état.”

From the Casa de Nariño, President Gustavo Petro spoke about the decision of the National Electoral Council (CNE) to formulate a statement of charges and open an investigation against him for the alleged violation of financial limits in his presidential campaign.

Petro described this act as the “first step of a coup d’état” and warned that it puts the country’s institutions and democracy at risk.

In his speech, the president assured: “The comprehensive jurisdiction of the president of the Republic of Colombia has been broken. The first step of a coup d’état has been taken against me as constitutional president, democratically elected by more than 11 million citizens. If carried out, this act would represent the greatest affront to our democracy in the history of the country.”

The president denied the evidence presented by the CNE to support the opening of the investigation, focusing on five key points.

In the following link:https://t.co/VMaq2iJjYo

You can find the complete Press Release. pic.twitter.com/oMIGJXXOYM

— CNE Colombia (@CNE_COLOMBIA) October 8, 2024

Regarding the alleged contributions from the USO and Fecode, Petro clarified that these were not allocated to his campaign, but to the Colombia Humana Party, and compared the situation with the financing of the Democratic Center Party in Iván Duque’s campaign in 2018, which was acquitted in 2021 by the same body.

Regarding the alleged payment to electoral witnesses, the president stressed that these do not correspond to campaign expenses, highlighting that the vote counting processes occurred after the elections, when the campaign had already ended.

See: Gustavo Petro denounced the purchase of a millionaire Israeli software in the Government of Iván Duque; according to the president destined for espionage

Regarding electoral propaganda expenses, Petro indicated that they were reported within the legal framework, as confirmed by an external audit hired by the CNE.

The president also addressed the controversy over the private flights contracted for his campaign, arguing that the CNE misinterpreted the flight permits and that all services billed by the SADI company were duly registered with the DIAN.

Regarding the event held at the Movistar Arena after his victory, Petro admitted that it generated certain expenses, but clarified that this was no longer part of the campaign period, as established by electoral law.

Finally, the president asked the investigation and accusation commission to publish the complete file of the process, stating that “it is through evidence that I claim my innocence and censure the illegal and unconstitutional procedure of the National Electoral Council.”

Petro concluded his intervention by calling again for popular mobilization and reiterating that he has given instructions to the Military Forces not to repress the people.