Both candidates in Colombia’s presidential election race have asked the country’s chief prosecutor to reveal alleged evidence of voter fraud. Prosecutor General Nestor Humberto Martinez said Thursday this year’s elections saw widespread election fraud, but said he would not reveal evidence until after a new president is elected. The results of legislative elections in March and the first presidential election round last week have become controversial after claims that both votes saw widespread fraud. Martinez said he would not reveal evidence of “sicking” levels of fraud until after the elections “so they don’t say I am intervening in politics.” Martinez’ claim contradicted the country’s electoral authorities that have categorically denied fraud claims.
Conservative candidate Ivan Duque and his leftist opponent Gustavo Petro said Friday they object to the chief prosecutor’s refusal to make evidence public.
“I hope he presents [evidence of election fraud] before so that the country knows,” said Duque of the hard-right Democratic Center party.
Petro, whose campaign has focused on corruption, also urged Martinez to come forward with evidence. “If there is a degradation process in the elections, why wait until after? What is he waiting for?” the leftist candidate said.
Full Article: Colombia’s presidential candidates want to see evidence of voter fraud.