Alliances may determine Colombia’s 2018 election

Significance

President Juan Manuel Santos accepted Pinzon’s resignation last week, reportedly telling the media that he wished to step down “before being disqualified” from running -- May 24 is the cut-off date for public officials to resign if they wish to run in the 2018 election. While former Vice-President German Vargas Lleras had been considered a favourite for the presidency, a recent slip in his poll ratings has left the election without a clear front runner. Santos is ineligible to stand for re-election and the parties of his governing coalition, and the opposition Democratic Centre (CD) party, are in disagreement over candidate selection.

Impacts

• Political campaigning will slow the pace of legislation, as congressional representatives shift focus to re-election efforts.
• The new government may become embroiled in disputes with local authorities, newly empowered under the FARC peace deal.
• The FARC’s political party will likely exert little influence over national policymaking during the next congressional term.