1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

of these two dominant party affiliations, legislative and other executive positions are held by representatives from multiple parties. Some of these parties are the United National Social Party, the Radical Change Party, the Alternative Democratic Pole and the Social Indigenous Alliance. Perhaps even more democratic than the United States, as far as party representation goes, the Colombian political system is characterized by a variety of voices from various parties to a limited extent, that is.

There are limitations to representation in Colombia's political landscape. A prime example is the Patriotic Union which was founded in 1985 and represented mainly by supporters of the FARC guerrilla group and other members of the Colombian Communist Party. The party experienced some mixed success during its early years by seeing mayors and Senate members elected in a few regions.

But by 1988, the party conceded that in just three years, more than 500 party members had been assassinated by drug lords, the country's paramilitary group (AUC) or the country's military. Media reports during those years confirm that concession as accurate. After nearly two decades of struggle and human sacrifice to get their feet in the political door, by 2002 the UP no longer had any representation in government. It seems that the entrenched right-wing government and its associates will not tolerate too much vocalization from the left.

As for Uribe and his constitutionally manipulated, two consecutive terms in office, many point to the overwhelming support that he has in the country. A closer look at the elections of 2002, which brought him to the position as head of state, and his re-election victory in 2006 that preserved his power, demonstrate only a partial truth to that claim of overwhelming support.

According to Wikipedia and other sources, President Uribe of the Colombian Liberal Party won the Election of 2002 with 53% of the vote, while his nearest opponent took 31% of the vote. Certainly, this constitutes a mandate in any democratic election. However, those numbers are deceptive since voter turnout was only 46%. In a country with more than 40 million people, and over 24 million registered voters, this hardly constitutes a majority. Absenteeism in voting is normally a sign of public apathy toward a country's political system.

The following Presidential Elections of 2006 witnessed an apparent rise in popularity with Uribe taking 62% of the vote, while his nearest opponent from the left

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Introduction to the government of Colombia?
We want to hear your view. Write now!