More than 100 Afro-Colombians — more than ever — will be registered to compete for two Congressional seats guaranteed to them by the Colombian constitution, by the close of registration on Tuesday.
The 1991 Constitution guarantees Afro-Colombians two seats in the House of Representatives.
El Tiempo reported that there are 1,500 Afro-Colombian political organizations legally recognized in 28 of the 32 departments of Colombia.
“We are expecting to gain 50,000 votes”, said Alexa Valencia, Director of the National Afro Movement.
The Social Alliance for Afro-Colombians has named Maria Isabel Urritia as the favored candidate for the Afro-Colombian community in this year’s elections.
Famous Afro-Colombian candidates include former beauty queen Vanessa Mendoza and soccer player Willington Ortiz.