On March 7, 2024, the Colombian Supreme Court reunited to elect Colombia’s new Attorney General, holding several voting sessions. However, the magistrates were unsuccessful in selecting a candidate and announced an extraordinary session scheduled for March 12, 2024.
The Attorney General’s role is crucial for investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of crimes against people, safety and property. Colombia has been anticipating the appointment of a new judicial authority since February 13, 2024, following the end of Francisco Barbosa’s term.
A challenging election
The electoral process for selecting the new Attorney General is facing delays due to divisions among the jury members. To appoint a new Attorney General, a majority of 16 votes out of the selection committee, composed of 23 magistrates, is required. However, the magistrates have been struggling for weeks to choose between the candidates Amelia Perez Parra, Angela Maria Buitrago and Luz Adriana Camargo Garzon, shortlisted by President Gustavo Petro.
Initially, Amelia Perez Parra was considered the frontrunner candidate. However, her candidacy faced a significant setback following a public statement made by her husband on the social media platform X on February 22, 2024. In his statement, he criticized the Office of the General Attorney for its alleged lack of impartiality in handling the prosecution of President Gustavo Petro’s son, Nicolas Petro.
He accused the institution of ignoring “the fundamental principles of Justice such as impartiality and equality.” This statement virtually disqualified the candidate Perez Parra, as her voting tally plummeted from thirteen to four votes.
Luz Adriana Camargo Garzon has since emerged as the frontrunner, securing 12 votes in her favor. Camargo Garzon, a former auxiliary magistrate to the Supreme Court of Justice, is noted for her role in condemning former Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina as a member of the Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala.
President’s relationship with Attorney General
During the first half of his mandate, President Gustavo Petro has faced challenges and conflict with the Attorney General appointed by his right-wing predecessor, Ivan Duque. The election of a new Attorney General is crucial, as the shortlisting gives President Petro an opportunity to deal with a new high magistrate who aligns with the judicial and political vision of his left-wing government.
In an effort to reach a consensus on the new Attorney General, the jury has scheduled a new extraordinary session for March 12, 2024.
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