The Consejo Nacional Electoral granted legal personality to Defensores de la Patria, a political movement linked to president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella [1].
This decision allows the movement to transition into a formal political party. By securing this legal status, the group can officially participate in future elections and provide party endorsements to candidates starting next year [1, 4].
The ruling occurred during a plenary session of the CNE in Bogotá [2]. The council approved the request with a vote of six in favor and one against [5]. The session took place on Monday, Aug. 3, 2024 [2].
Defensores de la Patria had sought the personería jurídica to fulfill the legal requirements for new political movements in Colombia [6]. This process is necessary for any organization wishing to move from a grassroots movement to a recognized entity capable of fielding candidates under its own banner [6].
Vice-president-elect José Manuel Restrepo said the milestone is significant for the movement's future. "Esto apenas comienza," Restrepo said [3].
The CNE's approval marks the final step in the administrative process for the movement to gain its official standing. The party will now be able to organize its internal structure, and strategy for the upcoming electoral cycles [1, 2].
“"Esto apenas comienza"”
The granting of legal personality transforms Defensores de la Patria from a political vehicle into a permanent institutional actor. For president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, this provides a dedicated legislative and electoral base, reducing reliance on coalition partners and allowing the administration to cultivate a loyal bloc of lawmakers in the Colombian Congress.
