Former magistrate of the National Electoral Council Luis Guillermo Pérez has filed a lawsuit to declare presidential aspirant Abelardo de la Espriella disqualified, alleging that his dual Colombian and American nationality constitutes a conflict of interest that could compromise the country's sovereignty.
In the document, Pérez maintains that De la Espriella has shown constant disregard for Afro-descendant communities, the peasant population, and sectors with fewer economic resources. Similarly, he attacked the campaign slogan "Firm for the homeland," questioning whether the candidate's interests truly align with Colombia or with the United States.
The controversy surrounding De la Espriella's American nationality intensified after the publication of a statement signed by twenty former magistrates from the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Council of State, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), and other jurists.
Although the signatories acknowledge that the Colombian Constitution generally admits dual nationality, they consider that American citizenship obtained through naturalization is incompatible with the exercise of the Presidency of the Republic.
In particular, they warn that the oath of allegiance to the United States, an indispensable requirement to access that citizenship, disqualifies any person from leading the Colombian State, since the commitments and renunciations required by the American government would directly collide with national sovereignty and the duties inherent to the head of state in Colombia.
In the lawsuit filed, the former magistrate of the National Electoral Council reiterates that De la Espriella's dual citizenship (Colombian and American) would open the door to a conflict of loyalties that would affect the defense of national interests.
Pérez further insists that the candidate's behavior and statements reflect disdain for "Afro communities, peasants, and people with scarce resources," and again questions the slogan "Firm for the homeland," considering it legitimate to ask which homeland it refers to and whether he could authentically represent Colombia while also having American citizenship.