BOGOTÁ – As Colombia approaches its regional elections, a curious phenomenon is unfolding: a candidate is campaigning without a traditional political platform, relying instead on a message of simply being present and available to listen. Yohir Akerman, writing for CAMBIO Colombia, describes this contender as “the candidate without skates,” a figure who eschews the typical rapid-fire policy proposals and instead focuses on direct engagement with voters. This unconventional approach is drawing attention as Colombians prepare to head to the polls.
The article, published February 15, 2026, highlights a shift in voter expectations, or perhaps a weariness with the usual political maneuvering. The “candidate without skates” isn’t offering quick fixes, but rather positioning themselves as a sounding board for the concerns of the electorate. Akerman’s analysis suggests this strategy may resonate with voters disillusioned by broken promises and a perceived disconnect between politicians and the people they represent. The core idea is a rejection of pre-packaged solutions in favor of a more collaborative, responsive form of leadership.
This development occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political changes within the Colombian government. In July 2025, President Gustavo Petro’s administration began evaluating potential replacements for Otty Patiño, the High Commissioner for Peace as reported by Infobae. Patiño’s prolonged medical abandon, which limited his ability to travel to crisis areas like the Chocó region, and a reported rift with Justice Minister Eduardo Montealegre, were cited as key factors in the potential change. Montealegre favored a more legalistic approach to peace negotiations, while Patiño reportedly expressed reservations about this model, leading to internal friction.
The Search for a New Peace Commissioner
The search for Patiño’s successor underscores the challenges facing the Petro administration as it seeks to consolidate peace efforts and address ongoing security concerns. The Infobae report indicates that the government was considering at least three candidates to fill the role, suggesting a deliberate and careful selection process. The require for a strong, visible leader in the peace process was emphasized, particularly one capable of effectively responding to the humanitarian crisis and security challenges in regions like Chocó.
The timing of these developments – the potential replacement of a key peace negotiator and the emergence of a candidate embracing a non-traditional campaign style – suggests a broader questioning of established political norms in Colombia. The emphasis on listening and responsiveness, as highlighted by Akerman, could be seen as a direct response to the perceived failures of previous approaches.
A Shift in Political Discourse
Beyond the specific personnel changes, there are indications of broader disagreements within the Colombian political landscape. A separate article in CAMBIO Colombia, published February 15, 2026, details a disagreement between Abelardo and Álvaro regarding the root causes of violence and criminality in the country as reported by CAMBIO Colombia. Specifically, the article challenges the assertion that coca crops are the primary driver of violence, suggesting a more complex set of factors are at play.
This debate reflects a deeper struggle over how to address Colombia’s long-standing challenges. The “candidate without skates” approach, with its emphasis on listening and understanding, could be interpreted as an attempt to move beyond these entrenched ideological battles and forge a more inclusive path forward. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will prove successful, but it undoubtedly represents a departure from the conventional wisdom of Colombian politics.
What Which means for Regional Elections
The emergence of this unconventional candidate, coupled with the ongoing search for a new High Commissioner for Peace and the internal disagreements over the causes of violence, creates a dynamic and unpredictable political environment as Colombia heads into regional elections. Voters appear to be increasingly skeptical of traditional political promises and are seeking alternatives. The appeal of a candidate who prioritizes listening and responsiveness could signal a broader desire for a more participatory and accountable form of governance.
The next key date to watch is the regional elections themselves, where the success or failure of this “candidate without skates” strategy will be put to the test. The outcome will likely provide valuable insights into the evolving priorities and expectations of Colombian voters. Further updates on the selection of a new High Commissioner for Peace are similarly expected in the coming weeks.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on these developments and to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of Colombian politics. Your perspectives are valuable as we continue to cover these important events.
