Politics Colombia elects parliament - first test before presidential election
Colombia is facing an important political turning point in the election year with the congressional elections. Around 41 million citizens are being called upon today to elect a new parliament.
08.03.2026, 05:14
SDA
At the same time, several parties are organizing internal consultations to select their presidential candidates. In these open internal primaries, citizens can decide who will stand for a particular alliance in the presidential election in May.
The Colombian Congress - the parliament - is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. A total of 103 seats in the Senate and 183 seats in the House of Representatives will be allocated in the election for the term of office from 2026 to 2030. The first preliminary results are expected this evening.
Congress passes laws and reforms - the president is therefore dependent on majorities in parliament for his plans. President Gustavo Petro's left-wing governing alliance "Pacto Histórico" was the strongest force in Congress in the last election four years ago, but did not achieve a majority of its own. Polls show it in the lead again.
The vote is taking place against the backdrop of a tense security situation, growing crime, economic challenges and deep political polarization. The mood in the South American country has been heated for months. During the parallel presidential election campaign, the conservative senator Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot at an election rally in the capital Bogotá in June last year and later succumbed to his injuries.
Parliamentary election as a test of mood
In Colombia, the parliamentary election traditionally takes place before the presidential election and provides an initial indication of which forces have a chance in the subsequent presidential race. The ballot is seen as an indicator of the strength of Petro's alliance shortly before the end of his term of office - and of the political tailwind with which his candidate will enter the race to succeed him. According to the constitution, the country's first left-wing head of state is not allowed to run again.
His government had announced ambitious reforms, for example in the healthcare, labor and pension systems. However, several of these projects have met with resistance in Congress or have stalled. Petro's time in office was also characterized by ongoing conflicts with the opposition.
Fragmented party system
One reason for this is the political fragmentation of Congress. Several parties that initially supported Petro have since distanced themselves from the government. Increasing polarization is making political majorities more difficult.
Analysts once again expect a highly fragmented parliament without clear majorities. Although "Pacto Histórico" is leading in the polls, it is once again unlikely to achieve a majority of its own. The right-wing conservative party "Centro Democrático" of former President Álvaro Uribe could once again be one of the strongest forces in Congress. Traditional parties such as the Liberals and Conservatives also play an important role, as they have often acted as majority procurers in the past.
Relations with the USA
Observers also see the congressional elections as an indication of how Colombia could act in terms of foreign policy in the future. Petro had adopted a more independent course.
At times, this led to tensions with the United States, one of Colombia's traditionally closest partners. There were repeated disagreements with US President Donald Trump over issues such as migration and drug policy. Petro also criticized the capture of Venezuelan authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro by the US military. Trump then also threatened Colombia with military intervention. Only after a meeting in the White House did both politicians return to a more conciliatory tone.
The presidential election will take place on May 31. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off will be held on June 21.
