Republic of Colombia: Referendum, 2 October 2016

At stake in this election:

• This referendum will determine public support for the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Description of government structure:

• Chief of State: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010)
• Head of Government: President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010)
• Assembly: Colombia has a bicameral Congreso (Congress) consisting of the Senado (Senate) with 102 seats and the Camara de Representantes (Chamber of Representatives) with 166 seats.

Electoral requirements:

• For the referendum to pass, a simple majority of votes in favor is required and to be valid, a minimum turnout of 25% of registered voters must participate.

About the referendum:

• This referendum will determine public support for the peace agreement signed between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Main provisions in the referendum:

• “Do you support the final accord to end the conflict and build a stable and lasting peace?”
  • “Apoya usted el acuerdo final para terminar el conflicto y construir una paz estable y duradera?”

Population and number of registered voters:

·         Population: 46,736,728 (July 2015 est.)

·         Registered Voters: 32,975,158 (2014)

Gender Data:

·         Female Population: 23,646,116 (July 2015 est.)

·         Is Colombia a signatory to CEDAW: Yes (17 July 1980)

·         Has Colombia ratified CEDAW: Yes (19 January 1982)

·         Gender Quota: Yes[1]

·         Female candidates in this election: N/A

·         Number of Female Parliamentarians: 33 (Chamber of Representatives); 23 (Senate)

·         Human Development Index Position: 97

·         Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) Categorization: Low

Disability Data:

·         Is Colombia a signatory to CRPD: Yes (30 March 2007)

·         Has Colombia ratified CRPD: Yes (10 May 2011)

·         Population with a disability: 7,010,509 (est.)