The presidential runoff election between Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda will take place on Sunday, June 21, with a nationwide “ley seca” (dry law) enforced to maintain public order. According to official guidelines, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited in commercial establishments and public spaces throughout the country, with specific time variations depending on the municipality.
National enforcement and regional variations
While the dry law is a national mandate, its duration varies by city. In Medellín, authorities expect to mirror the schedule used during the first round of voting, which would begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and conclude at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22. This restriction applies to both urban and rural areas, encompassing all shops, restaurants, and bars.
Did You Know? The dry law is a preventative measure designed to minimize the risk of public disorder during both the voting process and the subsequent vote counting.
The Bogotá schedule controversy
Bogotá will maintain a more extensive restriction than the rest of the country. Secretary of Government Gustavo Quintero confirmed that the ban will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, and remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22. Quintero stated that the decision aims to ensure that police and district resources remain focused on guaranteeing a peaceful electoral process, acknowledging the complexity of the current election.
Expert Insight: The extended 24-hour lead time in Bogotá highlights the tension between public security objectives and the economic interests of the hospitality sector. Organizations like Asobares and Bares Unidos de Colombia have argued that such prolonged restrictions disproportionately impact the livelihoods of staff, artists, and logistics providers across the city’s estimated 45,000 liquor-selling establishments.
Additional security measures
Beyond the alcohol ban, authorities have implemented further restrictions to safeguard the electoral environment. These measures include a prohibition on the carrying of firearms by private citizens. Local authorities retain the power to adopt additional security protocols based on the specific conditions of their respective cities or municipalities. Voters are scheduled to head to the polls on June 21, with voting stations operating from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the dry law start for the second presidential round?
The measure begins at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and ends at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, with the exception of Bogotá, where it begins 24 hours earlier on Friday, June 19.
Is the purchase of alcohol permitted during the dry law?
No. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all commercial establishments and public spaces while the measure is in effect.
What are the voting hours on June 21?
Polling stations across the country will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
How do you believe these localized security measures impact voter turnout in major cities compared to rural areas?
