More Than 1.5 Million Young People Take Part in Youth Council Elections
October 9, 2025 | Youth Participation · Democracy · Leadership
On October 19, 2025, Colombia held its second elections for Municipal and Local Youth Councils, participatory bodies created to strengthen youth representation in public affairs. Elections took place in 1,099 municipalities and 33 localities across the districts of Barranquilla, Bogotá, Buenaventura, Cartagena, and Santa Marta.
More than 1.5 million young people aged 14 to 28 went to the polls to elect representatives who will serve for the following four years. Participation increased by 18.44% compared with the 2021 elections, while invalid votes fell significantly, from 23.11% in 2021 to 1.98% in 2025.
Preliminary results reflected diverse forms of youth political participation: 53.35% of votes went to political parties and movements, 28.15% to independent youth lists, and 18.49% to lists representing youth-led organizational processes and initiatives.
Beyond the electoral figures, the elections represent an important opportunity for young people to participate in decision-making and exercise active citizenship. Youth Councils can help connect public institutions with the realities and priorities of younger generations while strengthening youth leadership, organization, and territorial advocacy
The increase in participation is encouraging, while also highlighting the importance of ensuring that these spaces provide young people with meaningful opportunities to have their voices heard and influence public decisions.
