The Colombian Women’s Caucus staked its claim to the Senate Presidency, said local media Tuesday.
Senator Maritza Martinez became the first woman to formalize her candidacy for the position.
“It is essential to take into account the importance of female participation in the Senate presidency,” said Martinez when asking for her party’s support.
Martinez is a member of the Social Party of National Unity, commonly referred to as the U, Colombia’s largest political party and the party of former President Alvaro Uribe.
Three male candidates, Senators Roy Barreras Leonardo, Jorge Eduardo Gechen, and Joseph David Name have all informally expressed their intention to run, and so far none have stepped out of the way for their female colleague.
Colombia has only had two female Senate Presidents, Claudia Blum Capurro and Nancy Patricia Gutierrez, the latter of which has been tied to illegal wiretapping and involvement with paramilitary groups.
The members of the U will meet in the coming days to finalize a candidate and determine the legislative priorities for the July 20 election.