Colombia
Colombia exhibits mid-range performance across all categories of the Global State of Democracy framework. It performs among the top 25 per cent globally in Free Political Parties, Local Democracy and Judicial Independence, and in the bottom 25 per cent in Economic Equality. Over the last five years, its democratic performance has been stable, with no significant changes. Colombia is an upper middle-income country, and its main exports include crude petroleum, coal, coffee and gold.
Since 1964, Colombia has faced an armed conflict involving the government and various guerrilla and paramilitary groups, including the now inactive Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). Contributing factors included public frustration with the substantial inequality between a small elite and an impoverished majority (with few formal mechanisms for political participation), and the exclusion of guerrilla groups from the power sharing agreement between Liberals and Conservatives in the 1960s. A 2016 Peace Accord led to the disarmament of 13,000 FARC who for the first time occupied seats in Congress. However, the treaty excluded other armed groups, allowing new factions to fill the power vacuum. The conflict has since evolved into more fragmented and regional forms of violence involving actors such as the ELN and dissident FARC groups. In 2022, the government established a 'Total Peace' plan—aiming to end the conflict through peace negotiations with all active armed groups—as state policy. Despite the ongoing peace process, ceasefire violations, killings, kidnappings and displacement of civilians, and other forms of violence have not ceased.
The initial bipartisan arrangement (Frente Nacional) has evolved into a multiparty system. After decades of conservative governments, the country elected its first leftist government in 2022. The Pacto Historico coalition won with a campaign platform promising peace, social and environmental justice and pushing for reforms in health, land and pensions to benefit marginalized communities. However, lacking a congressional majority, the government has struggled to pass reforms. As the 2026 general elections approach, political tensions are rising amid the government's clashes with Congress, accusations of attempting to bypass it—that fueled accusations of authoritarianism—and criticism over the handling of a worsening armed conflict. A surge in violence and a humanitarian crisis have sparked calls for a strong military response, while corruption scandals have further eroded trust in the ruling party and been at the center of political debate.
Colombia, a former Spanish colony, gained independence in 1819 after nearly a decade of war. It is a multicultural country with almost 90 per cent of its population being Mestizo and White. Minority groups, including Afro-descendants and Indigenous communities, are disproportionally affected by poverty, inequality, forced displacement and landlessness.
Colombia has made significant strides toward gender equality through laws and policies that include protections for victims of gender-based violence, gender quotas, same-sex marriage, and a newly approved National Care Policy. However, challenges persist with alarming rates of gender-based violence and femicides that disproportionally impact Indigenous and Afro-Colombian women and LGTBQIA+ people.
Looking ahead, it will be important to follow the ongoing peace talks and their impacts on Personal Integrity and Security and Social Group Equality amidst recent violent escalations. Furthermore, whether recently enacted policies and constitutional changes translate to an improvement in areas like health, labor rights and pensions, will be key to Colombia’s performance in Political Equality and its subfactors.
Last updated: July 2025
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
July 2025
Former president Alvaro Uribe convicted of witness tampering
On 28 July, former president Álvaro Uribe was found guilty of procedural fraud and witness tampering, becoming the first president in Colombia’s history to be convicted in a criminal court. The trial—one of the most high-profile in the country—stems from a 2012 investigation started by Senator Ivan Cepeda into Uribe’s links to paramilitarism. According to the ruling, Uribe, while a Senator, used intermediaries to pressure or bribe witnesses—such as imprisoned paramilitary leaders—into denying his personal and political links to paramilitary groups. Many experts have hailed the conviction as a victory for judicial independence and accountability, marking a watershed moment in a justice system often seen as shielding elites. On the other hand, Uribe’s supporters view it as a politically motivated trial. Uribe has announced plans to appeal. He was sentenced on 1 August to 12 years of house arrest, but later released by orders of the Superior Court of Bogotá until his sentence is reviewed.
Sources: International IDEA, NACLA, The Guardian, Razon Publica, BBC
June 2025
Senator and presidential aspirant shot during political rally
On 7 June, Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot in the head during a political rally in Bogotá, leaving him in critical condition. The alleged shooter—a 15-year-old suspected to be a paid hitman—was apprehended shortly after. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the mastermind behind the attempted assassination. The government condemned the attack, calling it not only an assault on the integrity of a sitting senator but also a direct attack on democracy. It pledged to support a swift and thorough investigation. Additionally, the government announced that an inquiry is underway to determine whether there were failures in the senator’s security detail. The attack shocked the nation and revived fears of a return to the political violence that targeted politicians in the 1990s.
Update: On 11 August, Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay passed away after two months in intensive care at a hospital in Bogota due to the shooting. Authorities have arrested several individuals allegedly involved, and investigations are ongoing—including into the possible involvement of one of the country’s armed groups—though no formal charges have been filed yet.
Sources: Presidencia Colombia, AP news, BBC, La Silla Vacia, New York Times
May 2025
Approval of new decree brings historical victory for Indigenous rights
On 5 May, President Petro approved Decree 488-2025, redefining the role of Indigenous communities in administering and making decisions about their territories. The decree formalizes Indigenous Territorial Entities (ETIs), a political-administrative division established in Colombia’s 1991 Constitution but long unregulated and ineffective. It allows communities to request the Ministry of the Interior to delimit and recognize their territories as ETIs, transferring key administrative and political rights. They will be able to veto infrastructure or extractive projects or activities based on a ‘cultural objection’ when authorities judge a threat to territorial, cultural or spiritual rights. ETIs will also gain access to public funds—such as royalties and General System of Participations transfers—allowing for autonomous budget management. Indigenous communities have welcomed the decree, and experts praised it as a historic victory for Colombia’s Indigenous peoples and a major step toward self-determination.
Sources: AP News, El Pais, Mongabay, Función Pública Colombia
April 2025
‘Comuneros del Sur’ begins process of laying down arms
On 5 April, the armed group known as Comuneros del Sur—a dissident faction that split from the National Liberation Army (ELN) in 2024—began the process of laying down arms as a first step toward demobilization. Nearly 600 units of explosive material were handed over to the National Army, which destroyed them. Although the group is small, the beginning of disarmament is seen as key for the peace efforts in the Nariño region, which has been deeply affected by the armed conflict. The event marks an initial step in a longer process, with further agreements still needed—particularly regarding legal mechanisms to ensure victims' rights to truth and justice. During a meeting with representatives of Comuneros del Sur, President Petro announced investments in the region to support the peace process, including improvements in access to basic services, the beginning of demining operations, and the creation of a unit—partly made up of ex-combatants—to help locate victims of forced disappearance.
Sources: Insight Crime, La Silla Vacia, El espectador, El Pais
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