Colombians in Venezuela vote in presidential runoff after consulate reopens

Colombians residing in Venezuela are participating in their country's presidential election runoff, with the Colombian consulate in Caracas now open to facilitate voting. This marks a return to the electoral process for expatriates after a prolonged closure of the diplomatic mission.

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When the consulate was closed for so long, we couldn't do any paperwork. Now that it's open, we who are here can give our opinion about our country and exercise our right.

The voting period, which began earlier in the week, saw a steady flow of people, many proudly wearing Colombian football jerseys. Consulate staff reported higher turnout for this second round compared to the first, indicating increased engagement in the final stage of the contest. Voters described the process as straightforward and efficient.

For many expatriates, the consulate's reopening signifies the restoration of institutional channels. "When the consulate was closed for so long, we couldn't do any paperwork. Now that it's open, we who are here can give our opinion about our country and exercise our right," said Nelly López. She also voiced concerns about youth migration from Colombia, emphasizing the need for the next government to create opportunities for new generations within their home country.

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We want peace, we want progress, we want the elderly to have their pensions and the farmers to have support with their fertilizers and crops so there is abundance in the whole country.

Marcos García, who has lived in Venezuela since 1977, expressed pride in participating and optimism for positive change in Colombia. "We want peace, we want progress, we want the elderly to have their pensions and the farmers to have support with their fertilizers and crops so there is abundance in the whole country," he stated. Marta Angulo of the Movement of Brotherly Peoples of the State of Miranda highlighted the historical significance of the vote, emphasizing the "protagonist participation of all Colombians here in Venezuela" and the freedom to exercise their right. She stressed that the next president has a significant responsibility to advance security and ensure peace in Colombia, stating, "If there is no peace, there is nothing."

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We have the protagonist participation of all Colombians here in Venezuela who, thank God, enjoy freedom to exercise our right to vote. I believe whoever arrives has a great responsibility to advance, especially on the issue of security, because there must be peace in Colombia. If there is no peace, there is nothing.