Colombian rebels ELN call election ceasefire to ensure peaceful vote

Colombia's last recognised rebel group on Monday announced a 10-day ceasefire to allow presidential elections this month to pass off peacefully.

Colombians head to the ballot box on May 29 for a first election round with leftist former guerrilla Gustavo Petro favoured to win.

"We are declaring a ceasefire from 0:00 on May 25 until 24:00 on June 3, so that those that want to vote can do so in peace," the National Liberation Army (ELN) said in a statement.

The ceasefire would include a halt to actions against Colombia's security forces but the ELN added: "we reserve the right to defend ourselves if attacked."

Defence Minister Diego Molano, however, said the ELN'S move was inspired purely by a wish to "position itself for future dialogue" with the new government.

"Security (in Colombia) is assured by the security forces," he insisted. After the Revolutionary

Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace deal with the state in 2016, the ELN became the South American country's last rebel group.

Former president Juan Manuel Santos had been in negotiations with the ELN to also make peace but his right-wing successor Ivan Duque put an end to the talks following a car bomb attack on a police academy in Bogota claimed by the guerrillas that killed at least 20 people.

The ELN had also called a six-day truce in March during legislative elections and presidential primaries.

Formed in 1964, the ELN counts about 2,500 fighters and an extensive support network in urban centres, mostly on the border with Venezuela and along the Pacific coast.

Following the election, Petro is expected to face a run-off vote on June 19 against right-wing candidate Federico Gutierrez.