Ahead of Colombia's legislative elections, columnist Rosa María Agudelo calls for a strong, technical, and plural Congress to balance power and promote rigorous debate.
In her column published on February 28, 2026, Rosa María Agudelo stresses the significance of Colombia's congressional elections set to occur in eight days. She portrays this vote as pivotal for maintaining the balance of power in the country.
Agudelo recounts moderating a debate in the Agenda Regional this week, featuring thirty candidates from various ideological backgrounds. Auditoriums were packed, and social media amplified each intervention. She describes it as a genuine democratic exercise, with candidates debating ideas, rigorous technical questions from academia, and unbiased media coverage. Citizens took time to assess proposals and backgrounds.
She advocates for a Congress that provides a forum for the executive to present reforms while ensuring rigorous scrutiny, opposing automatic approvals or irresponsible obstructions. Regardless of the presidential outcome, Agudelo argues for a deliberative legislative bloc or a responsible opposition. The Congress, she states, should neither serve as a government notary nor a sabotage outpost.
Agudelo emphasizes that diversity across regions, productive sectors, and social visions represents a strength, enabling the building of lasting consensuses and correcting excesses. Informed voting, she concludes, bolsters the Republic and safeguards democracy.
