Colombia's congressional election gets underway

"The election, which is taking place amid rising crime, economic challenges, a tense security situation and deep political polarization, is being seen as a barometer of how voters feel about Gustavo Petro's left-wing coalition, Historic Pact. Recent opinion polls show the alliance is once again in the lead, but it is unlikely to achieve a majority on its own, with analysts predicting another highly fragmented parliament."

"Several parties that initially supported Petro have since distanced themselves from his government, which has seen ambitious health, labor and pension reforms met with resistance in Congress. Last June, his potential conservative rival, senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, was shot at a campaign event in the capital, Bogota, and later succumbed to his injuries."

Colombia conducts parliamentary elections Sunday with approximately 41 million eligible voters selecting 286 lawmakers for four-year terms in the bicameral Congress. The 183-member House of Representatives and 103-member Senate will be filled amid rising crime, economic difficulties, security tensions, and deep political polarization. The election serves as a barometer for public support of President Gustavo Petro's leftist Historic Pact coalition. Opinion polls indicate the alliance leads but unlikely achieves majority, with analysts predicting a highly fragmented parliament. Several parties initially supporting Petro have distanced themselves due to resistance against his ambitious health, labor, and pension reforms. Over 126,000 law enforcement officers deploy nationwide. Colombians simultaneously participate in presidential primary consultations for May elections.

Read at www.dw.com