Colombia opened polling stations nationwide at 8 a.m. [1] on Sunday, May 31, 2026, for the first round of the presidential election.
The vote determines the next leader of the nation for the 2026-2030 period. This transition marks a critical juncture for the country's political direction as voters weigh 11 different candidacies on the ballot [3].
President Gustavo Petro cast his vote early Sunday [1]. Under the current legal framework, Petro is ineligible for re-election [4]. This restriction stems from a 2015 constitutional reform that eliminated the possibility of presidents serving a second term [4].
National registrar Hernán Penagos said a message to citizens as the voting process began across all polling stations [1]. The election process is designed to ensure a peaceful transition of power as the country selects a successor to the current administration [2].
Eleven candidates are competing for the presidency in this first round [3]. The results of Sunday's vote will determine if a candidate wins outright or if the race proceeds to a runoff election between the top two contenders.
“Colombia opened polling stations nationwide at 8 a.m. on Sunday.”
The 2026 election serves as a definitive test of the 2015 constitutional reforms, which prevented the consolidation of power through re-election. With 11 candidates on the ballot, the fragmented field suggests a diverse political landscape that may necessitate a second-round runoff to establish a clear mandate for the next four-year term.
