Colombia to close border during elections

The Colombian government said on Friday that the country's ground and water borders will be closed for 24 hours in order to guarantee the presidential elections on May 30.

"The governors and mayors should keep transparent of the electoral process, for the democratic participation day to be developed in normal conditions," the Colombian Interior Ministry said in a statement.

"The authorities will seek the citizens to freely and without coercion to exercise their right to vote," the ministry said.

During the legislative elections in March, the Colombian government also closed its borders for 24 hours.

The first round of the presidential elections will be held on May 30, and in case it is needed a second round, it will be held on June 20.

Source: Xinhua