By Natalia Rueda Mayoral Elections Bogotá 2023
In a historic election, Bogotá has elected its new mayor – Carlos Fernando Galán of the Nuevo Liberalismo party – with a record number of votes. As Colombia’s capital, Bogotá is a key player in the country’s political landscape, and Galán’s victory has shocked not only the city, but the nation as a whole.
On October 29, Bogotá citizens turned out in droves to exercise their right to vote. With an impressive 48% of the vote, Galán obtained a remarkable 1,355,874 votes, breaking records and sending a clear message of confidence from the citizens. In the midst of a fair and transparent electoral process, with 17,785 voting tables set up in 920 polling stations spread throughout the city’s 20 localities, Galán’s victory speaks volumes about the people’s desire for change and progress.
Candidate Juan Daniel Oviedo obtained 20.10% of the votes. The former director of the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) with his innovative campaign and leadership skills propelled him to secure second place, beating his leftist opponent Gustavo Petro by a significant margin.
Now Oviedo is preparing to take office as a Bogotá councilman, his rise in the Bogotá elections seen as both a challenge to traditional politics and a symbol of progress.
The third candidate, Gustavo Bolivar, who ran as an independent, also did well with 18.70% of the vote. Bolivar acknowledged Galan’s victory and congratulated him on his win. He also expressed his gratitude to his supporters and his team, highlighting the decency and integrity with which they conducted their political campaign.
Throughout his campaign, Galán promised to prioritize improving the city’s public services, tackling crime and insecurity, and promoting sustainable development. As he prepares to take office on January 1, 2024, Galán has already made clear his commitment to serving all citizens of Bogotá, regardless of their political affiliation. With his inclusive and progressive vision, he has the potential to bring about meaningful and lasting change in Colombia’s largest city.
Who is Carlos Fernando Galán?
The son of former presidential candidate and one of Colombia’s most beloved politicians, Luis Carlos Galán, assassinated in 1989, Carlos Fernando Galán has followed in his father’s footsteps in the quest for a better Colombia. And with this electoral triumph, he has cemented his place in Colombian politics as a powerful and respected leader.
Born in Bogotá on June 4, 1977, Carlos Galán Pachón’s life has been marked by his family’s dedication to public service.
The tragic murder of his father forced his family to flee to France, where he spent his adolescence and attended high school. His time of higher education was spent at prestigious institutions such as Georgetown University, Columbia University and New York University, where he honed his skills in international relations and public administration.
This election marks a significant shift in Colombian politics, as the traditional political parties that have dominated the country for decades were overshadowed by a new generation of leaders. Despite facing fierce competition from other candidates, Galán’s campaign focused on addressing the needs and concerns of the city’s residents, resonating with voters who sought a fresh and dynamic approach to governing.
With information from El Colombiano, La República and El Comercio