Electoral Left and Democratic Transition in Colombia: 30 Years of Changes in Organizational Structures, Leadership and Competitiveness

Main Article Content

Camilo Alipios Cruz Merchán
Sergio Ernesto García Rendón

Abstract

This article examines the organizational trends, leadership dynamics, and competitiveness of Colombia’s electoral left in national elections, from the 1991 Constituent Assembly to the 2022 legislative elections. The study seeks to highlight the transformations brought about by the political system established by the 1991 Constitution and subsequent political reforms, focusing on their impact on the electoral left.
Our primary finding is that the left has adapted to the pressures of the electoral and party systems, leading to the creation of coalition-based party structures at times and smaller party organizations at others. Despite this, a consistent set of leaders can be traced throughout the period. However, after 30 years, the left faces significant challenges, including the need for internal renewal and the weakening of party structures.

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How to Cite
1.
Cruz Merchán CA, García Rendón SE. Electoral Left and Democratic Transition in Colombia: 30 Years of Changes in Organizational Structures, Leadership and Competitiveness. RMEE [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 6 [cited 2026 Apr. 22];8(32):101-33. Available from: https://rmee.org.mx/index.php/RMEstudiosElectorales/article/view/467
Author Biography

Sergio Ernesto García Rendón, Centro Internacional de Estudios Políticos y Sociales CIEPS

Politólogo, Doctor en Estado de Derecho y Gobernanza Global por la Universidad de Salamanca. Sus temas de investigación son la calidad de la democracia, las instituciones informales y la corrupción. Tiene experiencia profesional en Colombia, Ecuador y España.