Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The members of the House of Representatives are elected from territorial constituencies, special constituencies and an international constituency.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 176:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Verified: 2024/12/10
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Comments: For the election of the House of Representatives, each administrative division and the Capital District of Bogotá will form one electoral constituency.
There are also special electoral constituencies to ensure participation in the House of Representatives of ethnic and political minorities.
For Colombians living abroad there will be an international constituency.
Source: Constitución: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 176: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016
Verified: 2024/12/10
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 150:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Verified: 2024/12/10
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of the Republic is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is elected by secret and direct ballot for a period of four years, by 50% plus one of the ballots. If no candidate secures the said majority, a runoff election is held three weeks later when only those two candidates who received the most votes in the first round of balloting participate. The candidate with the larger number of votes is declared President.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 115, 190:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Verified: 2024/12/11
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of the Republic is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is elected by secret and direct ballot for a period of four years, by 50% plus one of the ballots. If no candidate secures the said majority, a runoff election is held three weeks later when only those two candidates who received the most votes in the first round of balloting participate. The candidate with the larger number of votes is declared President.
Source: Constitución: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 115 y 190: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Verified: 2024/12/11
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitución: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 188-199: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016
Verified: 2024/12/11
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Republican Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 114:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Verified: 2024/12/11
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 176-178, 263: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Verified: 2024/12/11
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 258-266, 103-109, 120, 152, 155, 170, 171, 176, 202: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/12
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 260: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 5: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/12
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: It is worth noting that the Law 403 of 1997, establishes a series of encouragements for citizens to vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 258: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Law 403 of 1997: “Ley 403 de 1997, por la cual se establecen estímulos para los sufragantes”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-403-de-1997-de-estimulos-a/ (2003).
Verified: 2024/12/12
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: The National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral)
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 265 (3, 4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 192: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 120, 260: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: Even though the National Electoral Council has financial autonomy, its budget must be approved by the Chamber of Representatives of the Congress of the Republic.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 178 (2), 200, 265: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 12 (4), 26 (15): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The General National Audit Authority (La Contraloría General de la República)
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 119, 267: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the National Electoral Council and the National Registrar of the Civil Status are elected for a term of 4 years.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 264, 266: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 120, 265: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The National Electoral Council is composed of 9 members.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 264, 266: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 264, 266: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature f . Judiciary
Comments: The members of the National Electoral Council are selected by the plenary of the Congress of the Republic and the National Registrar of the Civil Status is selected by the Judiciary.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 264, 266: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the National Electoral Council: https://www.cne.gov.co/unidades-asesoras/47-unidad-de-capacitacion-y-fortalecimiento-democratico.
Verified: 2024/12/12
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 41: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Official Website of the National Electoral Council: https://www.cne.gov.co/unidades-asesoras/47-unidad-de-capacitacion-y-fortalecimiento-democratico.
Verified: 2024/12/12
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body e . Yes, conducted by the Government
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 41: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Official Website of the National Electoral Council: https://www.cne.gov.co/unidades-asesoras/47-unidad-de-capacitacion-y-fortalecimiento-democratico.
Verified: 2024/12/12
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 98, 99: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 3, 4: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship d . Naturalization e . Other
Comments: Full possession of civil and political rights.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 99: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 3, 4: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The National Registry of the Civil Status (Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil)
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 26 (4) y 56 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In order to vote it is obligatory to be registered.
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 76 y 85: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/12
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: In order to be able to nominate candidates, political parties must have legal personality.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 108 (3, 7): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 93: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”, art. 28: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/13
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: Candidates must be Colombian citizens, at least 25 years old, in full possession of their civic and political rights.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 177: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/13
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Independent candidates can be nominated by groups of citizens.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 108 (3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 93: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”, art. 28: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/13
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 109: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”, art. 16 (7), 17, 21, 36: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/13
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation e . Other
Comments: Ten percent (10%) shall be distributed equally among all the political parties or movements with legal personality.
Fifteen percent (15%) shall be distributed equally among the political parties or movements that obtained 3% or more of the total valid votes cast in the country in the last election of the Senate or House of Representatives.
Forty percent (40%) shall be distributed equally among all parties or movements in proportion to the number of seats obtained in the last election of the Congress.
Fifteen percent (15%) shall be distributed equally among all the political parties or movements in proportion to the number of seats obtained in the last election of municipal councils.
Ten percent (10%) shall be allocated equally among all political parties or movements in proportion to the number of seats obtained in the last election of departmental assemblies.
Five percent (5%) shall be allocated equally among all political parties or movements in proportion to the number of women elected to public offices.
Five percent (5% ), will be distributed equally among all the political parties or movements in proportion to the number of young elected public offices.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 109: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016).
Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”, art. 16 (7), 17, 21, 36: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/13
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”, art. 16: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/13
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 134-136: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/13
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions d . By request
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Código Electoral”, art. 122, 163, 164, 182, 189, 192: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-codigo-electoral-2016/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/12/13
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance f . Based on size of legislative caucus
Comments: 40% of the free time is allocated on an equal basis, and 60% in proportion to the number of seats in the House of Representatives.
Source: Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”, art. 36: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/13
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Fernando J. Ruiz y Hernán Alberro: “Ola de debates electorales en América Latina: luces y sombras de un avance democrático”: http://www.kas.de/upload/auslandshomepages/medioslatinos/debates_electorales.pdf
Verified: 2024/12/13
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
a . 1 day
Comments: Results of exit-polls shall not be published on the day of elections.
Source: Law 130 of 1994, art. 30: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-130-de-1994/ (1994).
Resolution of the National Electoral Council No. 23 of 7/03/1996, art. 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-resolucion-23-de-1996-sobre-realizacion-y/ (1996).
Verified: 2024/12/13
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Law 1475 of 2011: “Ley 1475 de 2011 sobre los partidos y movimientos políticos”, art. 37, 54: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-1475-de-2011-sobre-partidos-politicos/ (2011).
Verified: 2024/12/13
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution foresees the plebiscite, the referendum, the popular consultation, the open town council meeting, the legislative initiative, and the recall of officials.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 40 (2), 103, 104, 155, 170, 307, 374-378:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Verified: 2024/12/13
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Verified: 2024/12/13
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic, with the approval of the ministers and the prior approval of the Senate of the Republic, may consult the people on matters of great national importance. The people´s decision will be binding.
Upon the initiative of the government or the citizens, the Congress, through a law which requires the approval of the majority of the members of both chambers, may call a referendum on a bill of constitutional reform which Congress would also include in the law. The referendum will be presented in such a manner that the voters may select from the agenda of the various items those on which they wish to vote favourably and those which they wish to defeat. The approval of constitutional reforms by means of a referendum requires the affirmative vote of over half the voters and the number of these must exceed one-fourth of the total number of citizens included in the electoral rolls.
A group of citizens corresponding to one-tenth of the electoral rolls may solicit from the electoral organization the holding of a referendum for the repeal of a law. This law will be repealed if half plus one of the voters who participate in the referendum so decide as long as and whenever a quarter of the citizens making up the electoral rolls participate in the referendum. There can be no referendum with respect to laws approving international treaties or the budget or laws relating to fiscal or tax matters.
Constitutional amendments approved by Congress can be submitted to a referendum when they involve the rights recognized in Chapter 1 of Title II and their guarantees, the procedures of popular participation, or Congress, if such referendum is requested within the six months subsequent to the promulgation of the legislative act, by five percent of the citizens who make up the electoral rolls. The amendment is defeated by a negative vote of the majority of the voters as long as at least one-fourth of those on the electoral rolls participate in the balloting.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 104, 170, 377, 378:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Verified: 2024/12/13
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Legislative bills or those involving constitutional amendments may be introduced by a number of citizens equal to or greater than five percent of the existing electoral rolls on the relevant date or by 30 percent of the Councillors or deputies of the country.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 155:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”, art. 28:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Verified: 2024/12/13
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The recalls only comes against representatives of the departmental (Governors) and municipal (Mayors) levels.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 103:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”, art. 6:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Verified: 2024/12/13
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 104, 170, 374, 377, 378:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”, art. 45, 46, 48:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Verified: 2024/12/13
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Legislative proposals, including presidential decrees, and any issue of national relevance.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 104, 170, 374, 377, 378:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”, art. 33, 35:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Verified: 2024/12/13
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Upon the fulfillment of the requirements and formalities prescribed by the general statute of the territorial organization and in the cases determined by the latter, the governors or mayors, as the case may be , will be entitled to hold popular consultations to decide issues falling under the jurisdiction of the irrespective department or municipality.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 105:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”, art. 6, 35, 48, 51, 53, 56, 64, 70, 72:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Verified: 2024/12/13
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code, art. 76: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-decreto-2241-de-1986-codigo-electoral/
Verified: 2014/05/13
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Colombian citizens are authorized to vote abroad for the election of President, members of the Senate and the seats assigned to the House of Representatives (international special circumscription).
Source: Constitution, art. 171 (3), 176 (4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2014/
Electoral Code, art. 116: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-decreto-2241-de-1986-codigo-electoral/
Verified: 2018/03/06
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates f . Other
Comments: Locales fuera de las sedes diplomáticas
Source: Constitution, art. 171 (3), 176 (6): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2014/
Electoral Code, art. 116: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-decreto-2241-de-1986-codigo-electoral/
Decree 2364 of 2001 of the Ministry of the Interior: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-decreto-2364-de-2001-2012/
Verified: 2014/05/13
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 258: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2014/
Electoral Code, art. 114, 123, 124, 125: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-decreto-2241-de-1986-codigo-electoral/
Verified: 2014/05/13
The data on this page is continuously updated.
Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.
Forgot your password?
