Andean Region in May 2026: the most important developments in politics
In the Andean region in May 2026, Colombia's presidential election drew the most attention. Colombia set the date of the vote early in the month, and on 31 May its citizens went to the polls. Reports on the final campaign days said the election had echoes of the 2022 contest.
In Bolivia, protests gripped the country and President Rodrigo Paz struggled to regain control and security. Paz cut his own salary in half, and by 27 May he had eased the state of emergency declarations. Bolivia's foreign minister warned against escalating conflict. Bolivia also issued an arrest warrant for former president Evo Morales after he failed to appear in court. On 20 May Bolivia expelled the Colombian ambassador after comments by Colombian President Gustavo Petro on the protests, and on 21 May Colombia expelled the Bolivian ambassador in a reciprocal move.
Elsewhere, on 18 May a court acquitted the singer Shakira of tax fraud and ordered Spain to hand back $70 million. Ecuador's Espinosa entered the race to lead the United Nations.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
Click a day in the chart above for that day's brief.