Colombia issues new guidelines for communal elections ahead of 2026 local vote

Colombia's Ministry of Interior, through the Directorate for Democracy, Citizen Participation and Communal Action, published a bulletin outlining legal and procedural recommendations for communal elections. The guidance references Law 2166 of 2021 and Decree 1501 of 2023 and aims to ensure transparency and legality for second‑degree elections scheduled for 26 July.

Separately, the 2026 local elections in Imbabura will involve the selection of 231 authorities, including prefects, mayors, councilors and parish board members. Seventeen political organizations have completed internal democratic processes, with the National Electoral Council providing technical support. Candidate registration runs from 2 July to 17 August, and the final vote is set for 29 November 2026.