Colombia 2026 Presidential Campaign Begins

The official campaign period for Colombia's 2026 presidential election has commenced. President Gustavo Petro now has seven months remaining in his term in power.

This marks the beginning of an active electoral movement in Colombia to identify and select his successor. The political landscape is already taking shape as parties position themselves for the upcoming contest.

The timeline indicates that Colombia is entering a critical period of political transition. Campaign activities will intensify as the election date approaches, with various political factions working to secure their bases and attract undecided voters.

The left-wing party currently holds the lead in opinion polls. This advantage is attributed to the social reforms implemented by President Petro, specifically the labor reform and pension reform.

Despite this lead, the right-wing party maintains strategic positioning. They hope to capitalize on anti-Petro sentiment among voters who oppose the current administration's policies.

Political divisions extend beyond the left-right binary. Some centrist voters are also being targeted by the right-wing party, particularly those concerned about two key issues:

• Potential growth of inflation in the country
• Increase in insecurity and public safety concerns

These economic and social concerns may influence voter decisions as the campaign progresses.

The 2026 electoral period begins with five major uncertainties that will shape the outcome. These unknown factors create a complex political environment for all parties involved.

One significant uncertainty involves former President Álvaro Uribe. The question remains regarding the political power he will bring to his Senate list. His influence could significantly impact the legislative balance and support for presidential candidates.

Another critical concern is the potential for international interference. There exists a risk that former U.S. President Donald Trump may attempt to influence the Colombian election results. This possibility adds an external dimension to the domestic political contest.

These uncertainties, combined with the economic and security concerns mentioned by voters, create a dynamic and unpredictable electoral landscape. Political parties must navigate these challenges while maintaining their core messaging and expanding their voter base.

Colombian voters are approaching the election with specific economic concerns. The potential for inflation growth represents a primary worry for many citizens.

Security issues also feature prominently in voter concerns. The reported increase in insecurity across the country has become a central topic in political discussions.

These issues intersect with the legacy of President Petro's reforms. While his social reforms have garnered support from his base, they have also created opposition among those who favor different economic approaches or prioritize different policy areas.

The campaign period will likely see intense debate over these economic and security matters. Candidates will need to present clear policy positions to address these voter concerns while differentiating themselves from their opponents.