Most Colombians believe democracy is weakening. That is the finding of a recent Invamer survey, which shows a deterioration in citizens’ perception of the quality of the political system and the functioning of its institutions.
The study also portrays a strong emotional distancing from the political class. When asked about the feelings politicians generate, responses such as “disappointment or sadness” and “indignation or anger” predominate. The combination of institutional distrust and emotional discontent creates a complex scenario for democratic legitimacy in the country.
Poll shows widespread perception of democratic decline in Colombia
The Invamer survey, funded by the “Protect democracy” (Cuidar la Democracia, in Spanish) alliance, sought to measure Colombians’ satisfaction with the democratic system. It revealed that nearly 62% of respondents believe democracy is weakening, and 65% totally agree that democracy “works better elsewhere.”
Fieldwork for the study included 1,700 in-person surveys conducted in 81 municipalities in urban and rural areas in November of last year. The results show that a significant majority of respondents perceive the current political situation as a weakening of the democratic system, which represents a critical assessment of the direction of public life and the ability of institutions to represent and address social demands.
The perception of deterioration is not limited to specific circumstances. Rather, it points to an accumulated sense of wear and tear, marked by the persistence of structural problems such as corruption, inequality, and political confrontation. In that context, democracy is judged not only by its formal rules, but by the concrete results it delivers in terms of equity, transparency, and effectiveness.
The emotional component revealed by the survey is equally significant. Politics no longer predominantly inspires hope or enthusiasm, but negative feelings. “Disappointment or sadness” — which 27% acknowledge feeling — and “indignation or anger” — identified by 21% — appear as the most frequent responses when asked about reactions to politicians.
These emotions reflect a fracture in the relationship between representatives and the represented. The perception of unfulfilled promises, agendas disconnected from citizens’ priorities, and nontransparent practices fuels a climate of frustration that directly affects the assessment of the democratic system.
Corruption, inequality, and political polarization
The Invamer study shows that corruption (42%), inequality (39%), political clashes (34%), and poverty (33%) are the factors that influence the level of satisfaction with how democracy functions. Low satisfaction with political leadership is linked to the negative emotions that most citizens acknowledge experiencing regarding political issues.
In addition to those already mentioned, 13% admit feeling indifferent toward political matters, and only 21% say they want to know more, while 18% report feelings of hope or optimism. The survey also points to factors that citizens feel are at risk in the current political climate.
The survey reveals citizens’ perception of values that are at risk in Colombia. In this regard, civic engagement and respect for the rule of law (41%); respect, human dignity, and international law (40%); basic socioeconomic equality (39%); care for and defense of the Constitution (36%); and free discussion in public debate (33%) are the elements that generate the strongest sense of being at risk among respondents.
Along those lines, they detail that false or misleading information (60%), lack of electoral transparency (56%), lack of democratic knowledge (50%), and private interests in the electoral system (49%) are among the four greatest threats to the democratic system today in the South American country.
Despite this panorama, 76% of respondents acknowledge that they voted in the last elections, while 72% say they will vote in the 2026 elections. Among the reasons citizens cite for voting are “hope for change” (55%) and the civic duty it entails (38%). Finally, 92% believe that “voting is important because elections can make a difference.”