Special elections set for September 20 in Cartago after mayor's mandate annulled

The municipality of Cartago, located in the northern part of Colombia's Valle del Cauca department, is preparing for a special election to choose its next mayor. The election has been officially scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026, by the National Civil Registry.

This electoral process is being held to fill the vacancy left by former mayor Juan David Piedrahíta. His election was annulled by the Council of State due to a violation of the principle of double militancy, which prohibits individuals from belonging to more than one political party or movement simultaneously during an election campaign. The Council of State confirmed a prior ruling from the Administrative Court of Valle del Cauca, which found Piedrahíta guilty of this offense during the 2023 electoral campaign. The final decision became effective on June 30, 2026.

To ensure the continuity of local governance and prevent administrative disruptions, Mónica Yohana Guapacha, the current Secretary of Finance and Financial Management of Cartago, has been appointed as the interim mayor. Her designation aims to maintain the smooth operation of municipal finances and the execution of ongoing projects.

The departmental authorities have pledged their support for the electoral process, committing to provide oversight and ensure conditions of transparency, security, and citizen participation throughout the campaign period. This commitment underscores the importance placed on upholding democratic order within the territorial entity.

The decree for the special election was issued by the Governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, adhering to the constitutional timeframe of 18 months for such situations. The National Registry subsequently issued Resolution 7825, establishing the election date and outlining the corresponding electoral calendar. Legal consultations were conducted with the Council of State and the National Registry prior to the official announcement.