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Petro’s Historic Pact Emerges as Largest Bloc in Colombia’s Congress After Vote

Preliminary results show the coalition leading in the Senate but falling short of a majority.

Police hold up shields protecting presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella as he points while speaking during a campaign rally at the Corabastos, the largest food distribution center, in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Supporters of Ivan Cepeda, presidential candidate for the Historic Pact coalition, cheer him on during a campaign rally in Cali, Colombia, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)
Colombian President Gustavo Petro shows the ballot papers before casting his vote in congressional elections and party primaries for presidential candidate, in Bogota, Colombia, March 8, 2026. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez
Colombian President Gustavo Petro casts his vote in congressional elections and party primaries for the presidential candidate, in Bogota, Colombia, March 8, 2026. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

Overview

  • HISTORIC Pact captured 22.88% of the Senate vote to reach 25 of 103 seats and won 42 of 183 seats in the House, according to local tallies reported Monday.
  • With no party securing an outright majority, a fragmented legislature will require coalition-building as the presidential race moves toward the May 31 first round.
  • The right-leaning Democratic Center finished second in the Senate with 15.61%, and its founder Álvaro Uribe failed to win a seat.
  • Senator Paloma Valencia won the right-wing bloc’s consultation to enter the presidential contest, as the final field awaits formal registrations.
  • Election day featured large security deployments and an investigation into an alleged cross‑border voting attempt, while President Gustavo Petro questioned counting software and the national registrar defended the system.