Colombia and Ethiopia Face Critical Election Milestones Amidst Rising Insecurity and Landslide Victories

Colombia’s upcoming presidential election is being fundamentally reshaped by a surge in internal violence and insecurity. As armed groups reportedly double their membership over the last five years, the electorate is divided between two starkly different visions for the country’s future. Left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda is campaigning on a platform of social reform and peace negotiations with illegal armed groups, whereas his right-wing opponent, Abelardo de la Espriella, has garnered significant attention—including an endorsement from Donald Trump—by promising an aggressive military crackdown on crime and extortion. This political polarization is underscored by a staggering 300% increase in forced displacements and personal tragedies, such as that of Edilma Martinez Flores, whose brother was murdered after failing to pay extortion fees.

In East Africa, the political landscape has been dramatically altered by the landslide victory of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party. In the country’s latest legislative elections, the ruling party secured approximately 90% of the contested seats, winning 438 out of 486. While the government celebrates this as a mandate for its economic policies, the process was marred by significant security crises in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions, which prevented several polling stations from opening. International observers and domestic critics have raised concerns about the fairness of the elections, noting that the country remains heavily reliant on foreign aid and is struggling with deep-seated poverty despite reported growth under Abiy’s administration.

Closer to home in Ghana, the focus remains on internal party structures as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) prepares for regional contests. A recent opinion poll conducted by the Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) indicates a strong preference for continuity in the Volta Region. Incumbent Mawutor Agbavitor has emerged as a clear front-runner for the regional chairmanship, with 75.8% of respondents supporting his unopposed candidacy. Other key figures, including Bright Kwashie Ege and Ben Siki-Abibu, also maintain strong leads in their respective races for Regional Secretary and Organiser. While the survey highlighted limitations in internet access and participation, the results suggest a stable leadership path for the NDC in one of its most critical strongholds.

These diverse political developments across Colombia, Ethiopia, and Ghana highlight a common thread in global governance: the persistent tension between democratic processes and national security. Whether through the lens of internal armed conflict, legislative dominance amidst regional unrest, or strategic internal party polling, the search for stability remains a primary driver for voters. The outcomes of these elections and leadership contests will not only determine local policy but will also significantly impact regional security dynamics and international relations for years to come.