Colombians Cast Ballots in Critical Legislative, Presidential Primaries

(MENAFN) Millions of Colombians went to the voting booths on Sunday for crucial legislative elections and a series of presidential primaries that will shape the contest to succeed President Gustavo Petro.

The election acted as a high-stakes prelude to the presidential race scheduled for May. Citizens were responsible for renewing the 286 congressional seats—103 in the Senate and 183 in the House of Representatives—while simultaneously narrowing the crowded roster of presidential contenders through three inter-party consultations.

Senator Paloma Valencia emerged as the most prominent victor on the right, securing the nomination for the right-wing Gran Consulta por Colombia. Valencia captured about 45.7% of the coalition’s vote, mobilizing over 3.1 million supporters. Her triumph was reinforced by the organized apparatus of the Centro Democratico and the lasting sway of former President Alvaro Uribe, signaling a strong resurgence for the opposition.

By contrast, the centrist and leftist primaries experienced considerably lower turnout. Former Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez claimed victory in the Consulta por las Soluciones (Center) with roughly 8.15% of the total primary ballots, while seasoned strategist Roy Barreras earned the Frente por la Vida (Left) nomination with 3.62%.

Sunday’s vote also transformed the legislative chamber for the 2026–2030 term. The 286 seats remain divided between two dominant yet opposing blocs, meaning the incoming president will inherit a deeply fractured Congress.

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