MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

OAS deploys observers in Colombia for Sunday’s presidential election

Former Costa Rica president Figueres is head of the mission with dozens of observers

Former President of Costa Rica, José María Figueres, has begun the deployment of 64 international experts and observers in Colombia ahead of the country’s presidential election on Sunday May 25.

 Figueres heads the Organization of American States, OAS, Electoral Observation Mission, which is composed of citizens from 15 member states and 4 observer countries to the OAS, and will be present in 24 departments and the Capital District of Bogotá.

During his second visit to the country, the Chief of Mission, who was designated by OAS will meet with the presidential candidates, government and electoral authorities, as well as with members of civil society and the international community.

For several weeks, a group of experts has been working on the observation of key aspects of the electoral process, such as electoral technology, campaign financing, electoral security, the vote abroad, and the resolution of electoral disputes. The work of the Mission will provide a comprehensive view of the ongoing process.

On the Monday, after the election, the Mission will present its preliminary observations on the process and, once completed, will deliver a report to the Permanent Council of the OAS.