Colombians elect fragmented Congress in low-turnout election

Colombia's leftist ruling party and main opposition party were on track to win the largest number of seats in Congress in Sunday's legislative elections, preliminary vote tallies showed, but neither secured a majority, highlighting the fragmented nature of Colombia's political landscape.



In addition to choosing from over 3,000 candidates to fill 102 Senate seats and 182 House seats, voters also chose three of the presidential candidates who will run in elections this May.



Preliminary results showed the right-wing Democratic Center, led by former president Alvaro Uribe, and the leftist Historic Pact - which brought President Gustavo Petro to power — appeared poised to win the largest share of seats in Colombia's Senate, in a contest marked by high abstention.



That level of support guarantees them a significant number of the Senate's seats, but without achieving an absolute majority.



Several traditional parties, including the Colombian Conservative Party, Colombian Liberal Party, Social Party of National Unity, Radical Change and Green Alliance, were also expected to secure representation.