In order for this Sunday’s elections to proceed smoothly, the National Government decreed a series of measures and restrictions to guarantee security and transparency in the elections, in which it will elect a new Congress and the official candidates for the Presidency in inter-party consultations.
(These are some benefits for voting in Colombia).
Among the restrictions placed It will prohibit the consumption of alcohol and the use of weapons with safe conduct, as well as the manipulation of electronic devices such as cell phones and cameras among others, at the polling stations.
Also restricted are all kinds of political propaganda, among them demonstrations, press releases, interviews and publicity. Those who break these rules are exposed to heavy penalties.
Here are some of the measures and restrictions for this Sunday’s elections:
DRY LAW
Between 6 pm on Saturday, March 12, and 6 am on Monday, March 14, the sale and consumption of liquor will be prohibited throughout the national territory. The measure can be extended if the mayors and governors consider that public order is disturbed. Likewise, they can decree curfews under the same conditions.
Carlos Ortega / TIME
CARRYING WEAPONS
The suspension of permits to carry weapons was also established from Friday 11 to March 14. Special authorizations issued on these dates are exempt from interruption. As in the case of intoxicating beverages, military authorities have the power to extend the period of time that prohibits weapons to prevent disturbances of public order.
ELECTION PROPAGANDA
During the electoral day of March 13, all types of political propaganda are restricted, from demonstrations, press releases, interviews, to advertising on all platforms, whether mobile, static or sound.
However, each voter can carry an aid element that allows him to recognize the movement, party, group or candidate for whom he votes. This material cannot exceed 10 centimeters in length and 5.5 cm in width. Also, it must be worn in an inconspicuous area. The use of t-shirts with party logos or photos of the candidates is also not allowed.
(People disqualified from voting in the 2022 elections).
In addition, political meetings from March 7 to 14 can only be held in closed spaces and not in a public square.
USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Voters will be prohibited from using cell phones, cameras, and other types of devices at the polling station.
The devices can only be used by means of communication accredited by the National Registry and by the juries or voting witnesses at the beginning of the counts, in order to exercise surveillance of the processes.
For the media, on March 13 the disclosure in the media of surveys or projections related to how the inhabitants registered in the day vote is not allowed.
ACCOMPANIMENT OF ADULTS OR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Likewise, it was established in the decree that those who “suffer from limitations and physical ailments that prevent them from fending for themselves, may exercise the right to vote accompanied to the interior of the voting cubicle, without prejudice to the secrecy of the vote.”
People over 80 years of age and those with advanced vision problems can also have the support of a companion to enter the cubicle. It must be taken into account that this population group has priority in voting and has the collaboration of the electoral and police authorities.
TRANSPORT
At least 80% of the vehicles of public transport companies and mass transit systems must provide service during the hours in which the tickets are deposited (from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon).
Also, the land and river borders are closed from the beginning of March 12 until 11:59 p.m. on the 13th. You can only travel through these roads if the purpose is to exercise the right to vote, a fortuitous event occurs or there are force majeure reasons.
BRIEFCASE
