Six political entities that belong to Colombia’s governing Historic Pact coalition of President Gustavo Petro have agreed to merge into a single entity, following an earlier ruling that prevents the coalition in its current guise from running in next year’s election. The decision was confirmed after legal documents were submitted to the National Electoral Council (CNE), the body responsible for monitoring the electoral process. The CNE will now rule on whether the merger can go ahead to form a single political party.
The four parties involved are Colombia Humana, the Communist Party, the Democratic Alternative Pole and the Patriotic Union, while Progresistas and the Minga Social and Popular are political movements that have formally supported the governing coalition since its 2022 election. Other parties in the Historic Pact have so far not agreed to join the new party but have expressed support.
The petition to form a new party requires adherence to current electoral rules and internal statutes of the entities involved. While there is consensus among those, the CNE’s likely decision is not guaranteed, as last November it rejected a petition for formal party status from Progresistas. It is also unclear when the CNE will reach a verdict.
If the single party is established, it will represent the main electoral vehicle for Colombia’s left and progressive sectors ahead of the May 2026 presidential election. Its programme will consolidate current Historic Pact policies around peacebuilding, environmental protection, social investment, land reform, democratisation and minority rights.
Despite its election, the Historic Pact has struggled to pass major policies due to its lack of a majority in the National Congress. Initial alliances with traditional parties the Liberals and the Conservatives soon broke apart, leaving the coalition unable to push through social reforms aiming to tackle high levels of inequality. The recent approval of the labour reform, however, has raised hopes that core objectives can be achieved before voters head to the polls next March for congressional elections and two months later for the presidential election.
Despite the Historic Pact’s lack of a majority, it holds more congressional seats than any other political movement. Its supporters hope that this will translate into a continuation of progressive governance beyond next year. The new entity will also focus on building a united movement with political allies, likely to be titled the Frente Amplio, or Broad Front.