Petro Coalition Tops Colombia Senate in Elections

Colombia's ruling Historical Pact coalition, led by President Gustavo Petro, emerged as the largest force in Sunday's congressional elections, securing an estimated 25 of 102 Senate seats with about 23 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results with nearly all polling stations counted. The vote, held across the nation on March 8, also saw the selection of presidential candidates through interparty primaries, setting the stage for a polarized first-round contest on May 31 to choose Petro's successor. Turnout reached 48 percent, a slight increase from 2022.

The elections renewed all 102 Senate seats and 183 House seats for the 2026-2030 term, drawing more than 19 million voters amid heightened security measures to counter threats from armed groups. In the Senate, the right-wing Democratic Center, founded by former President Álvaro Uribe, placed second with 15.6 percent of the vote and 17 seats, up from 13 previously. The Colombian Liberal Party followed with 11 percent and 13 seats, while the Conservatives projected 10 seats. Traditional centrist parties lost ground overall, reflecting a shift toward ideological extremes.

House results showed the Democratic Center...