Progressive politicians in Colombia’s governing Historic Pact coalition have expressed concern and criticised electoral authorities after the Colombia Humana party was barred from joining other progressive parties in forming a single entity ahead of next year’s elections. It follows an earlier agreement by Colombia Humana to merge with the Patriotic Union, the Democratic Pole and the Communist Party, which came in response to the National Electoral Council’s (CNE) decision to prohibit the Historic Pact from running as a coalition in 2026.
According to the CNE’s latest decision, Colombia Humana did not meet the necessary quorum of membership votes to fuse with the other parties as a single entity. This has raised fears among government supporters that it could hinder attempts to build a united front for the election campaign and thereby adversely impact the chances of a consecutive presidency for the progressive movement.
Senator María José Pizarro, who has announced her candidacy for the presidency, accused opponents of orchestrating the CNE decision. ‘There is a cabal operating, as I warned months ago,’ she said. ‘Their goal is to weaken us, divide us and prevent the country’s largest political force from consolidating. They are acting to halt change.’
‘It is a move to divide us, with legalistic tricks and absurd arguments,’ said the Historic Pact’s Senator Isabel Zuleta.
The governing coalition has challenged the ruling, which could potentially lead to a split vote should different progressive candidates compete. Colombia sees legislative elections in March and presidential elections in May, with core issues likely to include ending conflict, tackling inequality and defending national sovereignty against foreign interference.