The Colombian Embassy in South Africa officially opened a polling station in Pretoria on Monday, enabling expatriates to participate in crucial national elections. The setup caters to elections for the Congress of the Republic and interparty consultations to select presidential precandidates ahead of Colombia’s 2026 general polls.
Ambassadorial staff transformed a conference room into “Mesa 1,” complete with ballot boxes, voter registries, and the tricolor Colombian flag fluttering proudly. A large screen displayed motivational messages from home, urging citizens to exercise their civic duty. This is about keeping our democracy alive, no matter the distance.
Voting commenced at 8:00 am and will run daily until Sunday, March 8, closing at 4:00 pm each day. Over 5,000 Colombians in South Africa are eligible, highlighting growing bilateral ties. Security measures ensure a smooth process, with observers monitoring for transparency. This initiative underscores Colombia’s commitment to inclusive elections, bridging thousands of kilometers for its diaspora.
