The largest active rebel group in Colombia declared a unilateral cease-fire Monday ahead of next weekend's presidential election, as authorities prepare for a closely contested vote amid heightened political tensions.
In a statement published on its X account, the National Liberation Army, or ELN, said that it has told its fighters to cease attacks on the nation’s military from June 20 to June 23. Colombia’s presidential election will be held on Sunday, June 21.
The ELN said that it respects citizens' "right to vote freely” and added that it does not want to "threaten any of the candidates, or stop people from voting.”
The rebels also warned against foreign interference in the elections.
"We cannot accept any involvement by leaders of other countries in political decisions that should only concern Colombians,” the statement said.
