Colombians went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new Congress and participate in presidential primaries, a double ballot that could strongly influence the governability of the country after the presidential election scheduled for next May.
Voters must choose between more than 3 candidates to fill the 102 Senate seats and the 182 House of Representatives seats. According to several political analysts, the future Parliament is expected to be fragmented among some 000 parties, which will likely force the next president to form a broad coalition in order to pass reforms.
In total, approximately 41,2 million registered voters are called to the polls. Alongside the Congressional elections, some parties are also holding internal consultations to select their presidential candidates.
Several important political figures are not participating in these primaries. Among them are Ivan Cepeda for the left, Abelardo De La Espriella for the right, and Sergio Fajardo, representing the center, who have chosen to launch their presidential campaign without going through this internal process.
The election is seen as a major political test ahead of the presidential election in May. The composition of the future Congress could indeed determine the next head of state's ability to pass laws and implement his agenda.
At the polling stations, some voters emphasized the importance of this election day for the country's future. "It is very important to come and exercise your right to vote. The most important thing is that Colombia decides its future and that the results are respected," said Federico Rodriguez, a 32-year-old business executive, after voting in northern Bogotá.
