Colombia’s upcoming presidential election is already generating unusual energy months before official campaigning begins. Nearly 10 pre-candidates have announced that they have surpassed the 1-million-signature mark, an important achievement that enables independents to formally register their presidential bids. With citizens increasingly eager for new leadership options, signature drives have become a central indicator of who is gaining traction as the country heads toward the first round on May 31.
How signature collection works in Colombia
For independent presidential hopefuls, Colombia’s electoral rules require collecting a significant number of valid signatures from eligible voters. While the specific figure varies by election cycle, it is generally above 1 million. These signatures must then pass a strict verification process conducted by the National Civil Registry, which audits for duplicates, irregularities, or unverifiable entries before certifying a candidacy.
This requirement is not merely procedural, it functions as an early test of each aspirant’s organizational capacity, national presence, and the authenticity of their grassroots backing. Signature collection also gives voters an early look at which candidates can mobilize support beyond social media visibility or traditional party structures.
David Luna: a technocratic contender with 1.3 million signatures
Among the most prominent figures in this initial phase is former senator David Luna, who gathered 1.3 million signatures, now undergoing internal audit before being submitted to the Registry. Luna has campaigned on a message of responsible, results-driven leadership, emphasizing the need for institutional stability and modern, technology-oriented governance.
He highlighted that “each signature is the voice of someone who wants a different Colombia,” calling his collection one of the most transparent efforts in this electoral cycle. His early success positions him as a strong centrist figure capable of attracting voters tired of polarization and improvisation in public policy.
Hector Olimpo Espinosa: Former Governor of Sucre leads with over 1.7 million signatures
The candidate currently outpacing all others in signature count is Hector Olimpo Espinosa, former governor of Sucre, who reported collecting more than 1.7 million citizen signatures. Espinosa is well known on the Caribbean coast for his administrative experience, his focus on regional development, and his emphasis on public security and infrastructure.
During his tenure as governor, Espinosa consolidated broad networks across Sucre and surrounding departments, networks that have become key to his ability to organize one of the most extensive signature drives in the race. His strong regional base has granted him early national attention, placing him among the leading potential contenders even before formal registration.
Yet Espinosa has not announced whether he will participate in a coalition consultation in March or go directly to the first round. “I will decide at the right time, after the National Civil Registry certifies my signatures,” he told reporters. “Only when I receive the document confirming their validity will I be formally enabled to run.”
Abelardo de la Espriella: A polarizing figure claiming 4 million signatures
One of the most striking claims in this stage comes from lawyer and media personality Abelardo de La Espriella, who says he has collected 4 million signatures, the highest figure reported by any pre-candidate. Known for his outspoken style and his strong following online, De La Espriella has built a campaign centered on institutional reform, law-and-order messaging, and confronting what he calls the country’s entrenched political establishment.
If his claims are validated, he could enter the race as a powerful outsider capable of drawing support from voters dissatisfied with traditional parties. His unexpected strength underscores how much appetite there is for unconventional leadership in the current political climate.
Claudia Lopez: Former Bogota Mayor collects 1.5 million signatures
Also crossing the threshold is Claudia Lopez, former mayor of Bogota, with 1.5 million signatures. Lopez, long recognized for her anti-corruption advocacy and policy-driven agenda, continues to hold national visibility even after leaving office. While her time as mayor was met with mixed public assessments, her signature numbers suggest she retains a solid urban and progressive base.
Her potential candidacy could reshape the map for the center-left, particularly if traditional parties struggle to unify around a single figure.
Vicky Davila: a journalist turned political challenger
Investigative journalist Vicky Davila, running under the movement Valientes, also surpassed 1 million signatures. Dávila enters the race as a nontraditional candidate who channels the frustrations of citizens disillusioned with political elites, bureaucracy, and perceived corruption. Her campaign has leaned heavily on her digital audience, personal brand, and a narrative of confronting powerful interests.
It remains to be seen whether her media presence will translate into electoral strength, but her early signature success indicates that a portion of the electorate seeks leadership from outside the established political class.
Other candidates who reached the requirement
Several other prominent figures in these presidential elections have also met the signature threshold, adding further complexity to the race:
Mauricio Cardenas, former finance minister, whose platform highlights economic stability and fiscal responsibility.
Juan Daniel Oviedo, former director of DANE, positioning himself as an evidence-based candidate rooted in data and technical expertise.
Daniel Palacios, former interior minister, focusing on national security and territorial control, and Luis Gilberto Murillo, former environment minister and former ambassador, advocating for inclusion, equity, and environmental sustainability.
Each has approached signature collection through targeted networks—professional associations, academic communities, regional volunteers, and grassroots platforms.
What these early signals suggest about the first round
With so many candidates surpassing 1 million signatures, the first round of Colombia’s presidential election could become highly fragmented. No single ideological bloc currently dominates the landscape, and independent candidates are capturing early momentum that traditionally belonged to established parties.
If this trend holds, the first round may produce unexpected pairings, potentially pitting a strong outsider against a centrist technocrat, while both left and right blocs work to consolidate their bases. Although signatures are not votes, they provide a revealing snapshot of enthusiasm at this early stage: Colombians are mobilized, politically active, and eager to influence the direction of the country long before the ballots are cast.