Colombian local, regional election seen as reflection on Petro

Colombians will go to the polls on Sunday to elect mayors, governors, and regional lawmakers in an election that analysts believe will serve as a referendum on President Gustavo Petro’s government and could have implications for the 2026 presidential vote. The election is expected to highlight the influence of local and regional political families and coalitions, rather than individual parties.

Analysts suggest that the opposition and traditional political sectors have framed the elections as a vote of confidence in the president, leading many voters to approach the election in this manner. Green Alliance Senator Ariel Avila predicts that Petro’s movement, Pacto Historico, will face significant setbacks in the election.

The majority of candidates in Sunday’s elections are supported by coalitions encompassing multiple parties or have gathered enough signatures from citizens to run as independents.

Avila highlights the ongoing power struggle between traditional elites and new political forces, with many historic political figures returning to the regions. The outcome of the election is expected to influence the 2026 presidential campaign.

Approximately 39 million Colombians are eligible to vote in the election on Sunday.

Campaigning leading up to the election has been marred by deteriorating security conditions due to the presence of illegal armed groups, which have continued to operate despite Petro’s efforts to negotiate peace, as well as threats targeting candidates.

A report from the human rights ombudsman’s office indicates that over 36% of municipalities face a high or extreme risk of violence during the elections, a significant increase from the 23% reported during the 2019 regional elections. Observers have also warned about the possibility of electoral fraud.

Mauricio Vela, coordinator of the Electoral Observation Mission, highlights the main complaints received, including irregularities involving public officials, advertising, and the media. Additionally, the buying and selling of votes tends to be the most commonly reported crime on election day.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)