These pictures from the streets of Córdoba ought not to show any propaganda for the elections in 2011 - for the simple reason that this is prohibited by law.Article 24 in Law 130 of 1994 says it clearly: "Election propaganda may only take place during the three (3) months preceding the date of elections." Election propaganda is also defined, as "... propaganda made by parties, political movements and candidates to posts of popular elections, as well as by people who assist them, with the objective of obtaining electoral support." [My translation]
Three months, that means August, September and October - as elections are to be held 31 October. My snapshots were taken very recently, in early March, in the department of Córdoba.
The National Electoral Council [Consejo Nacional Electoral] 22 February 2011 issued a directive to all Mayors, Governors, local electoral authorities and all regional and municipal police authorities - reminding them of the rules and of their duty to take action should they encounter illegal propaganda.
I imagine that these candidates would reply that they are not doing party propaganda, they don't even mention their parties. They just 'happen' to use the colours of the Conservative and the Liberal parties, the PIN and the "U". One of the candidates was tempted though to write his surname CaLderón to show his affiliation with the Liberal party.
I noted with some satisfaction that one mayor in the region, in Cereté, last week announced that he would give five days to get rid of the unlawful propaganda. I think I will go there soon to have a look.
PS. 21 March 2011: A drunk friend (was it really?) of a local candidate lost control. But better end against the lamp post than the school building behind! The photo is from El Meridiano - which does not mention that Tato's car carries illegal propaganda.
