Congress of Colombia

The Congress of Colombia is the national legislative assembly composed of the Senate with 114 seats and the House of Representatives with 199 seats. Both chambers meet in the Capitol, a multi-story building with a columned portico and meeting halls connected by wide corridors.

The Constitution of 1991 established the current two-chamber structure, replacing the previous political system that had been in place for over a century. Since then, both houses have been determined by direct elections, marking the transition to broader political participation.

Colombia elects its legislators every four years through a nationwide party list system, which shifts the makeup of both chambers with each election. The Capitol sits directly on the central plaza, where local visitors and school groups often pass by to see the government district.

The annual session runs from July 20 through December 16, so visitors can observe activity inside the building during these months. Public areas are often accessible, though security checks at the entrance should be expected.

Members of both houses enjoy parliamentary immunity, which protects them from arrest or prosecution without explicit permission from their respective chamber. This rule applies throughout their entire term and only ends when they leave office.