Approximately 41 million Colombians are heading to the polls on March 8 to elect a new Congress. This election is significant as it sets the stage for the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for May 31.
Key Events and Objectives
The election began at 8 a.m. local time and will conclude at 4 p.m. Voters will assess the current Congress, which comprises 285 seats. The ruling coalition, known as the Pacto Histórico, aims to strengthen its legislative presence while the right-wing parties seek to regain seats in Congress.
Political Landscape and Aspirations
President Gustavo Petro’s administration has been pushing for presidential reforms, such as health care and tax reform. However, these proposals faced rejection from opposition parties. Petro attempted to rally support through marches and urgent speeches in Congress, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful.
Right-Wing Candidates and Former Leadership
- The Centro Democrático, the main right-wing party, hopes to recover from its losses in 2022.
- Álvaro Uribe, a former president (2002-2010) and now a Senate candidate for Centro Democrático, aims to mobilize voters who supported his military efforts against guerrilla groups.
This stance sharply contrasts with Petro’s approach, which favors peaceful resolutions.
Public Confidence and Legislative Future
Public trust in the Colombian legislature is low, following numerous corruption scandals. The new Congress is set to begin its session on July 20, shortly before the inauguration of Petro’s successor.
Presidential Candidates and Election Violence
Survey data suggests that the leading candidates for the presidency include left-wing senator Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-leaning lawyer positioned as an “outsider.”
Moreover, the ongoing threat of violence looms over this election cycle. Last year, right-wing senator Miguel Uribe, who was a presidential hopeful, was tragically assassinated during the campaign.
The outcomes of the legislative elections will significantly influence the political temperature ahead of Colombia’s 2026 presidential race.
