Colombian President Challenges Election Sanction

President Gustavo Petro has claimed that the government of Ecuador is attempting external interference in Colombia's upcoming presidential elections. The source noted that high courts in Colombia have previously addressed similar assertions made by the president. Caracol Radio reported that suitcases containing money were allegedly delivered to presidents. The Colombian prosecution is investigating a case involving the alleged delivery of suitcases containing money to the presidents of the Chamber and the Senate. This scheme was reportedly used to secure political support in Congress, a practice referred to as 'mermelada'. The investigation is described as progressing slowly but steadily. Reports suggest suitcases containing millions of dollars were delivered to Colombian presidents to secure political support in Congress. The investigation concerns how these funds were used to obtain legislative backing. The alleged payments are linked to the 'mermelada' system of exchanging contracts for legislative backing. President Luis Enrique Hurtado stated that the National Electoral Council's sanction against his presidential campaign is illegal and unjustified. He argued that the decision cannot be classified as an electoral spending limit violation regarding his victory. The president claimed that opposition members and advisors influenced the Council's ruling.