Constitutional Reforms in Colombia: A Journey Through Key Legislative Acts Since 1993

Constitutional Reforms in Colombia: A Journey Through Key Legislative Acts Since 1993

The Political Constitution of Colombia, since its promulgation in 1991, has been a living and dynamic document, subject to modifications to adapt to the social, economic, and political challenges of the country. This article explores the main constitutional reforms that have shaped Colombia’s present, from the earliest legislative acts in 1993 to the most recent transformations in 2024.

2024: Strategic Changes and Recognitions

In November 2024, Legislative Act 2 introduced a symbolic and strategic change by modifying Article 217 of the Constitution. The “Colombian Air Force” was renamed “Aerospace Force,” marking a milestone in the modernization of the armed forces and paving the way to integrate new technologies and missions in space. This act reflects the country’s commitment to innovation and strategic defense.

In July of the same year, Legislative Act 1 recognized the fourteenth pension payment for the public forces, a measure strengthening the social security of those who protect Colombia.

Advances in Justice and Peace: 2016 – 2023

The period from 2016 to 2023 was characterized by reforms aimed at consolidating peace and improving access to justice. Notable reforms include:

• Agrarian and Rural Jurisdiction (2023): Through Legislative Act 3, a specialized judicial system was established to address rural conflicts, responding to decades of inequity in rural areas.
• Special Transitional Peace Constituencies (2021): This act created 16 constituencies to ensure representation in Congress for communities affected by the armed conflict, guaranteeing their voice in public policy development.

Regional Recognitions and Changes: 2019 – 2021

Colombia has also advanced in decentralization and the recognition of regional particularities. A key example is Legislative Act 1 of 2021, which designated Medellín as a “Special District of Science, Technology, and Innovation,” positioning it as a Latin American leader in research and development.

Historic and Controversial Reforms: 2000 – 2015

During this period, foundational reforms were introduced, including:

1. Revisable Life Imprisonment (2020): This measure amended Article 34 to allow life imprisonment under reviewable conditions, sparking debates about its impact on the penal system.
2. Balance of Powers Reform (2015): This legislative act introduced significant adjustments to improve the separation of powers and strengthen checks and balances.

First Decade of Reforms: 1993 – 2000

The initial reforms focused on strengthening the democratic and institutional framework. Among these, the Political Reform of 2003 stands out, introducing measures to combat terrorism and ensure more representative elections.

Complete List of Constitutional Reforms

Below is a comprehensive list of the 62 constitutional reforms enacted since 1993:

1. Legislative Act 2 of 2024: Renamed the Air Force to Aerospace Force.
2. Legislative Act 1 of 2024: Introduced the fourteenth pension payment for public forces.
3. Legislative Act 3 of 2023: Established the Agrarian and Rural Jurisdiction.
4. Legislative Act 2 of 2023: Amended Article 138 of the Constitution.
5. Legislative Act 1 of 2023: Recognized the peasantry as a subject of special constitutional protection.
6. Legislative Act 2 of 2021: Created 16 Special Transitional Peace Constituencies for the House of Representatives.
7. Legislative Act 1 of 2021: Designated Medellín as a Special District of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
8. Legislative Act 2 of 2020: Amended Article 325 of the Constitution.
9. Legislative Act 1 of 2020: Allowed reviewable life imprisonment by amending Article 34.
10. Legislative Act 5 of 2019: Amended Article 361 concerning the royalties regime.
11. Legislative Act 4 of 2019: Reformed the fiscal control regime.
12. Legislative Act 3 of 2019: Introduced a second electoral round for the Mayor of Bogotá.
13. Legislative Act 2 of 2019: Added provisions to Article 150.
14. Legislative Act 1 of 2019: Granted Barrancabermeja the status of a Special Port District.
15. Legislative Act 2 of 2018: Amended Articles 328 and 356 of the Constitution.
16. Legislative Act 1 of 2018: Implemented the right to double instance and appeal.
17. Legislative Act 5 of 2017: Secured state monopoly over arms and force.
18. Legislative Act 4 of 2017: Added a transitional article to stabilize the peace agreement.
19. Legislative Act 3 of 2017: Regulated political reincorporation under the peace agreement.
20. Legislative Act 2 of 2017: Established transitional provisions for legal stability in the peace process.
21. Legislative Act 1 of 2017: Created a chapter on transitional provisions for the end of the armed conflict.
22. Legislative Act 1 of 2016: Facilitated legal instruments for the peace process.
23. Legislative Act 2 of 2015: Introduced a balance of powers reform.
24. Legislative Act 1 of 2015: Amended Article 221 regarding military courts.
25. Legislative Act 3 of 2013: Strengthened congressional representation for Colombians abroad.
26. Legislative Act 2 of 2012: Reformed the judiciary to address transitional justice.
27. Legislative Act 1 of 2011: Introduced fiscal sustainability principles.
28. Legislative Act 6 of 2011: Reformed judicial powers and processes.
29. Legislative Act 5 of 2011: Created the General System of Royalties.
30. Legislative Act 4 of 2011: Added a transitional article to the Constitution.
31. Legislative Act 3 of 2011: Established fiscal sustainability principles.
32. Legislative Act 2 of 2009: Reformed Article 49 of the Constitution.
33. Legislative Act 1 of 2008: Added provisions to Article 125.
34. Legislative Act 4 of 2007: Reformed Articles 356 and 357 on fiscal matters.
35. Legislative Act 3 of 2005: Amended Article 176 to strengthen representation.
36. Legislative Act 2 of 2005: Reformed congressional representation mechanisms.
37. Legislative Act 1 of 2004: Adopted a political reform.
38. Legislative Act 2 of 2003: Strengthened counterterrorism measures.
39. Legislative Act 1 of 2003: Introduced political reforms and expanded electoral regulations.
40. Legislative Act 1 of 2002: Amended representation in regional governance.
41. Legislative Act 1 of 2001: Improved fiscal regulations for public administration.
42. Legislative Act 2 of 2000: Reformed the judiciary and public defense systems.
43. Legislative Act 1 of 2000: Added provisions for judicial efficiency.
44. Legislative Act 1 of 1999: Strengthened fiscal sustainability principles.
45. Legislative Act 1 of 1997: Introduced changes to improve public administration.
46. Legislative Act 1 of 1996: Amended fiscal distribution mechanisms.
47. Legislative Act 2 of 1995: Strengthened mechanisms for local governance.
48. Legislative Act 1 of 1995: Reformed the electoral system.
49. Legislative Act 3 of 1993: Expanded mechanisms for democratic participation.
50. Legislative Act 2 of 1993: Strengthened regional governance mechanisms.
51. Legislative Act 1 of 1993: Amended fiscal policies to improve equity.

Conclusion

Colombia’s constitutional reforms showcase how the country addresses challenges and transforms its structures to adapt to a changing context. From protecting the peasantry to modernizing aerospace defense, these legislative acts reflect the resilient and progressive spirit of the nation.

Would you like to learn more about how these reforms impact daily life or the country’s development? Explore our blog and share your opinion on which reform has been the most significant for Colombia!