Colombia held its presidential elections on March 8, 2026 [1], to select a new president and members of the Senate and Chamber of Representatives.
The results of the election determine the political direction of the country for the next term. Because the vote decides both the executive leadership and the legislative body, the outcome shapes the nation's ability to pass laws and implement national policy.
A total of 14 presidential candidate formulas competed for the office [2]. Under Colombian electoral law, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes [2] to win the presidency in the first round.
President Gustavo Petro addressed the public from the Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá during the electoral process [3]. During his appearance, Petro said, "No me retracto" [4].
Media coverage of the event was extensive, with RCN Televisión providing 16 hours of uninterrupted live broadcasting [5]. The network's coverage, centered at the Tribuna RCN – Colombia Elige, included live vote counting and analysis of the emerging trends as results were reported from across the country [3, 5].
The election cycle focused on the competing visions of the 14 formulas [2], each attempting to capture a majority of the electorate to avoid a runoff. The process involved simultaneous voting for the Senate, and the Chamber of Representatives to establish the legislative balance of power [2].
“No me retracto”
The 2026 election serves as a critical referendum on the current administration's policies. With 14 different candidate formulas in the race, the fragmentation of the vote increases the likelihood of a second-round runoff, as achieving the required 50% majority in the first round is mathematically difficult in a crowded field.
