Factionalism and party politics in Colombia

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe certain salient aspects of political party factions in Colombia. Based on this description the major goal was to formulate a series of propositions and hypotheses which could serve as a basis for future research.

The focus of the study was upon the Liberal and Conservative parties in the department of Valle del Cauca, but within the context of national party politics. The data were drawn from published sources in the United States and Colombia, and from the results of Colombian elections. . Additional data were collected by means of personal interviews with Colombian party leaders. The historical period of interest was from 1958 to 1974.

Based on a review of the theoretical literature pertaining to factionalism, three major areas were selected for investigation: the structure of factions, the bases of factional conflict, and the behavior of factions in the political arena. . These variables served as the organizational and descriptive framework of the study. In keeping with the purpose of the study, the major findings are stated as propositions and hypotheses for future testing.

The study hypothesizes that the structure of Colombian party factions may be described as a series of vertical and exclusive loyalties between political leaders of unequal status. Through this system of loyalties, Colombian party factions may be national, departmental or local in scope.

The study hypotheses that the sources of conflict between or among factions are not disputes over ideology or program, but are primarily competition among political leaders to obtain favorable positions on electoral lists, to win elected office, and to control patronage.

Finally, the study sets forth some hypotheses concerning the relationship between factionalism and party competition, La Violencia in Colombia, urbanization, and voter participation and abstention.