Colombian Senate Presidency Election Upset: Honorio Henríquez Defeats Government‑Backed Alfredo Deluque

On July 20, the Colombian Congress elected the Senate president for the 2026‑2027 legislative term. The candidate backed by President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella, Senator Alfredo Deluque of the Partido de la U, was expected to win but lost to Honorio Henríquez of the Centro Democrático, who secured 56 votes against Deluque's 45.

At least nine legislators from the Liberal and Conservative benches broke party discipline and voted for Henríquez, highlighting internal fractures and a strong display of congressional independence from the incoming administration. The outcome is viewed as an early setback for the new government’s influence over the Senate.