Colombian local, regional election seen as reflection on Petro

FILE PHOTO: Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during an event with peace negotiators of Colombia's government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, in Bogota, Colombia August 3, 2023. REUTERS/Vannessa Jimenez/File Photo

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombians will choose mayors, governors and regional lawmakers in an election on Sunday which analysts say will serve as a referendum on the government of leftist President Gustavo Petro and could influence the 2026 presidential vote.

Sunday's vote is likely to emphasize the power of local and regional political families, as well as coalitions, rather than individual parties, according to analysts.