On October 8, 2024, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on X (formerly Twitter) that a "coup" had begun following the National Electoral Council's (CNE) decision to investigate alleged irregularities in his 2022 presidential campaign financing. The CNE's president, César Lorduy, stated that Petro and his campaign team, including current Ecopetrol president Ricardo Roa, are under scrutiny for potentially exceeding campaign spending limits and using prohibited funding sources.
Petro urged the diplomatic community to convene to explain his position, asserting that the CNE's actions undermine presidential integrity and the popular vote. He also called for widespread mobilization among Colombian citizens.
The CNE indicated that Petro's campaign failed to report contributions from several organizations during the first electoral round on May 29, 2022, and allegedly violated spending limits in the second round on June 19, 2022. The total excess spending is estimated at approximately $389,541.
While Petro faces potential fines, experts suggest the CNE could refer the case to the House of Representatives for possible impeachment proceedings.