Abelardo De La Espriella begins collecting signatures to run for President in 2026.

Attorney Abelardo De La Espriella officially announced his intention to run for President of the Republic on Wednesday by registering with the National Civil Registry the committee that will support him in collecting signatures, an essential requirement for running with a significant group of citizens. His movement is called "Defenders of the Homeland."

"I have accepted the nomination of a significant group of citizens, the 'Defenders of the Homeland,' to lead, from the presidency of the Republic, the defense of the values on which Colombia is founded and to undertake together the reconstruction of our beloved nation," he said in a video posted on social media.

De La Espriella has gained public recognition as a defender of former President Álvaro Uribe and a figure close to the Democratic Center, despite never having held elected office. Thanks to this, he has gained visibility on social media.

In a recent survey published by Guarumo and EcoAnalítica, conducted between July 1 and 5 with a sample of 2,122 people, De La Espriella appears in 17th place out of a list of nearly 75 candidates surveyed, with a voting intention of 1.1%.

The poll is led by Senator Miguel Uribe with 13.7 percent, followed by journalist Vicky Dávila with 11.5 percent, and former director of Social Prosperity , Gustavo Bolívar , with 10.5 percent.

"For more than 40 years, I have dreamed with my feet on the ground and my heart held high. A different Colombia, a homeland that takes the right path without shortcuts or traps. I solemnly commit to fighting with an iron fist against criminals, the corrupt, unpunished criminals, and anyone who seeks to continue threatening Colombia's existence," he added in the post.

With this step, the lawyer joins the long list of pre-candidates who have opted for the signature route to enter the 2026 election. Among them are former Bogotá Mayor Claudia López; former Senator David Luna; journalist Vicky Dávila; former Superintendent Luis Carlos Leal; former Councilman Juan Daniel Oviedo; and former ICT Minister Mauricio Lizcano.

According to the electoral calendar, those who opt for this mechanism must submit at least 3% of the total valid votes cast in the 2022 presidential elections, equivalent to more than 600,000 valid signatures, by December 17. The National Registry will have until January 21, 2026, to verify the signatures and certify compliance with this requirement.

Subsequently, between January 31 and March 13, 2026, the formal registration period for candidates for the presidential elections will open.

"The Registry has provided the necessary tools to ensure the speed and transparency of the process," said National Registrar Hernán Penagos, opening this phase of the electoral calendar.

CAMILO A. CASTILLOPolitical EditorX: (@camiloandres894)