Description of Electoral System:

(Courtesy of IFES election guide, Colombian´s Constitution and Colombian Electoral Code)

The President is elected by popular vote to serve a 4-year term. In the Senate (Senado) 102 members are elected by party list to serve 4-year terms. In the Chamber of Representatives (Cámara de Representantes) 166 members are elected by popular vote to serve 4-year terms.

For Presidential Elections is used the absolute majority system with second round election. For the Senate elections is used the proportional (method of the natural quotient; higher rest) system, closed and blocked list, without a personal vote or legal barrier. The participation in the electoral process is voluntary. The financing of electoral campaigns are public and their expenses are limited by law.

The electoral organization in Colombia is directed by the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral). This organism is in charge of guarding the respect of the law related to political parties and movements and of the dispositions on electoral publicity and surveys of public opinion, the rights of the opposition and the minorities, and the development of the electoral processes in conditions of total guarantees.

Electoral Management Bodies (EMB's)

(Courtesy of National Jury of Elections)

• National Electoral Chamber

    President: 

    Mag. Oscar Giraldo Jiménez

    Address:

    Avenida El Dorado No. 46-20. Piso 6to. Bogotá

    Telephone:

    (571) 2200-800

• National Registry of Civil Status

    National Registrar of Civil Status:

    Dr. Carlos Ariel Sanchez Torres

    Address:

    Avenida El Dorado, No.46-20. Piso 5to Bogotá

    Telephone:

    (571) 220-2880/ 220-7689