Event Summary
On 13 October 2025, elections were held for municipal and local youth councils in Colombia, a participatory mechanism created by Law 1622 of 2013 and amended by Law 1885 of 2018. According to the Registrar’s Office, nearly 1.4 million young people voted, representing 12.8% of the youth electoral roll. Although there was a slight increase compared to previous elections (10.4%), abstention remains very high and the low representation of rural youth and ethnic sectors is a cause for concern. However, it is considered a success that this space continues to develop as a contribution to democracy in the country.
Municipal Youth Councils are a mechanism for citizen participation for young people elected by popular vote. Young people between the ages of 14 and 28 are eligible to vote. Their role is to act as intermediaries with local public authorities to influence public policies on youth issues. In each municipality, councillors are elected to form the Councils. Their size varies depending on the municipality. Supported by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with the Ombudsman’s Office playing a key role, these spaces are considered to be of great importance. They contribute to youth-focused political decision-making at the local level and contribute to the development of a democratic culture.