Investigation Looms Over Petro's Campaign Financing Controversy

Colombia's National Electoral Council has launched an inquiry into President Gustavo Petro's 2022 campaign for possible financing violations. The investigation, which targets Petro and his campaign manager Ricardo Roa, follows allegations of assassination plots and excessive contributions totaling $1.27 million from unreported sources.

In a significant development, Colombia's National Electoral Council (CNE) announced on Tuesday an investigation into the 2022 election campaign of President Gustavo Petro over alleged financial misconduct. The CNE disclosed in a statement that the probing effort, backed by a majority of its nine magistrates, intends to scrutinize Petro and his campaign chief, Ricardo Roa.

Roa, notably, is the current CEO of Ecopetrol, Colombia's leading state-owned energy enterprise. The investigation follows closely on the heels of Petro's claims of an attempt to undermine his leadership through judicial means or assassination plots.

If the probe proceeds, Petro's case will advance to the accusation committee in Colombia's lower house of Congress, as mandated by the constitution. Despite the formidable challenge this represents, Petro's coalition retains a majority in the committee, potentially reinforcing his stance as he persistently asserts innocence against the accusations.

(With inputs from agencies.)