The political framework of Colombia

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (since 7 August 2022)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 31 May 2026
Congress: March 2026

Main Political Parties

About 60 political parties are formally recognised in Colombia, but most are not represented in the Chamber of Deputies. The main political parties in Colombia are:

- Social Party of National Unity (UN): centre-right, social liberalism, third way politics
- Democratic Centre (CD): centre-right, social conservatism, economic liberalism
- Conservative Party (PC): centre-right, social conservatism, economic liberalism, Christian democracy
- Colombian Liberal Party (PLC): centre-left, social liberalism, social democracy
- Radical Change Party (CR): centre-right, conservative liberalism
- Alternative Democratic Pole (PDA): centre-left, protectionism, social democracy, democratic socialism
- Independent Movement of Absolute Renovation (MIRA): centre-right to right, conservative liberalism, social conservatism, Christian democracy
- Green Alliance: centre-left, progressivism, pacifism, green politics, green liberalism
- Independent Movement of Absolute Renovation (MIRA): centre-right, communitarianism, social conservatism, Christian democracy

Executive Power

The President is both the Head of State and the Head of Government and holds executive power. The President and Vice President are elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term. They cannot be re-elected for a consecutive term but may run again after sitting out at least one term.

Legislative Power

The Colombian legislature is bicameral. The parliament, called 'Congress', consists of the Senate (upper house) and the Chamber of Deputies (lower chamber). The 108 members of the Senate and the 188 members of the Chamber of Deputies are elected for a period of four years.