The MOE and the Registry reject the kidnapping of Samuel Londoño Escobar, candidate for youth councilor: "We demand guarantees for the electoral process."

The Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) and the National Registry categorically rejected the kidnapping of Samuel Londoño Escobar , a 17-year-old candidate for youth councilor and son of the manager of the Cauca Liquor Industry and former mayor of Miranda, Elmer Londoño Ortega.

Londoño has been kidnapped since September 2, when a group of armed men traveling in a pickup truck intercepted the young man on the road connecting Miranda (Cauca) with Florida (Valle) and forced him into the vehicle.

"This act directly undermines youth political participation and sends an unacceptable message of intimidation. In democratic processes such as Youth Council elections, kidnappings, threats, and restrictions on participation cannot exist," said Alejandra Barrios , director of the MOE.

We demand guarantees for the electoral process and emphatically request absolute respect for the life and integrity of adolescents.

"Because the victim is a minor and a candidate for the Municipal Youth Council, what happened constitutes a serious impact on this democratic process," Barrios emphasized.

For its part, the Registry, headed by Hernán Penagos, demanded guarantees for the 2025 Municipal and Local Youth Council elections.

"We demand guarantees for the electoral process and emphatically demand absolute respect for the life and integrity of adolescents . We reaffirm that the right to a free vote is a pillar of our democracy and cannot be threatened. Citizens must be able to participate peacefully and with full guarantees," the organization stated in a tweet.

Along the same lines, the MOE urged the National Government and territorial authorities to strengthen security guarantees for young people. "These elections are also the gateway for new generations to join democratic processes and build leadership from the territories," the oversight body stated.

Barrios stressed the need to prioritize the department of Cauca and other areas with armed groups , as well as to strengthen the National Plan for Electoral Guarantees and the Democracy Plan, in order to address the current situation of insecurity and safeguard the youth elections, as well as the Congressional and presidential elections scheduled for 2026.

"The EOM calls on all armed actors to immediately cease their actions against the civilian population, on state institutions to coordinate effective search and protection efforts, and on political actors to decisively support the security and legitimacy of the municipal and local youth council elections. Only in this way can we guarantee Samuel's safe return and the free, safe, and democratic participation of Colombian youth," the EOM stated.

Samuel Londoño Escobar is the second kidnapping case reported in the department of Cauca in less than a week. Just last August 27, a housewife identified as Nora Ruiz was kidnapped in the municipality of Timbío.

According to authorities, 4 percent of Colombia's total territory is classified as at risk for holding elections. This territory includes the Catatumbo region (Norte de Santander), the Micay Canyon (Cauca), and southern Bolívar.

The youth council elections will be held on October 19.

Juan Pablo Penagos Ramirez