MUST READ-Americas Program Special Report Colombia Elections 2010 http://americas.irc-online.org/am/6703

1. The presence of illegal armed groups in the electoral process: paramilitaries, narco-traffickers, emerging violent groups, and other armed actors in some regions:There is widespread fear among the Colombian population in these regions.This sense is prevalent among the electorate, public officials, and members of political parties, directly affecting the electoral process.This situation detracts from the perceived legitimacy of those who are elected in the process.Many sources report that public monies are being transferred for illicit uses in the elections.

2.Fraud and electoral crimes: we found that many negative practices persist, such as:Vote buying and selling.Misuse of identity documents.Illegal possession of identity documents, including stolen documents.Coercion and intimidation of voters.Fraud committed by polling officers at the voting stations.Obstruction of electoral observers, preventing them from carrying out their functions and accessing polling stations.Control over public transportation to prevent voters from moving freely, as well as transporting voters to voting places that are not their places of residence in order to support certain candidates.Absence of educational outreach to voters to teach about the importance of citizen participation in political processes and the necessity of protecting a voter's right to decide free from bribes, threats, or other payments.