In Colombia, a distinction exists between the preconteo and the escrutinio in elections. The preconteo has been used for over 50 years as a basis to declare a winner. Further details about the differences between these two processes are available from sources such as BBC Mundo.

It is noted that the preconteo lacks a legal basis, which has led to discussions about its role in the electoral process, particularly from the left, who are calling for caution before conceding defeat.