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Election Data

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[Colombia] The new electoral code
Last updated 2023-06-30

For the last 37 years, Electoral matters of Colombia have been ruled by the Electoral Code of 1986. The electoral, political, social and technological changes that the country has faced create the need to update and modernize the electoral regulations to respond to the current social and institutional demands.

 

 

For this reason, the National Civil Registry (RNEC), with the National Electoral Council (CNE), presented an electoral reform to the Congress of the country. The new Electoral Code was approved after conciliation between the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Republic of Columbia. But first, it will be reviewed by the Constitutional Court. The new Electoral Code is a statutory law containing 275 articles that updates the text of 1986, regulating the electoral mechanisms and the powers of the RNEC and the CNE Colombia.

 

 

Among the relevant points approved is the difference between electoral citizenship and youth citizenship. Electoral citizenship is that which enables Colombians over eighteen (18) years of age to exercise political rights and duties, while youth citizenship enables young people between fourteen (14) and seventeen (17) years of age to exercise the right to vote in the formation of Youth Councils. 

 

In addition, the Electoral Code says that any voting juror requires at least a tenth (10th) grade of high school education and an age not exceeding sixty (60) years. The Electoral Code also contemplates the extension of voting hours on Election Day, which will go from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Regarding the implementation of technological means, the new Electoral Code proposes mixed electronic voting as a goal for 2029. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt proper tools to facilitate the electoral process, both in the authentication of the voter, in the voting process, and in the vote counting. 

 

The mixed electronic voting will allow the citizen to select the candidates or lists then the machine will generate a paper record deposited in a ballot box. Last but not least, Article 276 of the Electoral Code contemplates the creation of safe spaces for free participation for the LGTBIQ+ community and any other group considered to be in a situation of inequality or vulnerability.