What criteria are taken into account to choose the new prosecutor?

What criteria are taken into account to choose the new prosecutor?

The first step in electing an attorney general is the shortlist presented by the President of the Republic. This selection does not have specific criteria, but it is understood that they are people with capabilities and enough experience to assume the position.

It should be noted that when presenting candidates to the Court, the Council of State has the power to propose one more name.

The next step, and the one in which the process of electing the new prosecutor is currently underway, is that the Supreme Court of Justice must vote on the shortlists sent by the president. For there to be a new prosecutor, it is necessary to obtain the vote of two-thirds of the judges, currently 16 of 23 judges.

Regarding the basic requirements for the position are:

– Be Colombian by birth

– Be over 35 years of age

– Have a law degree and have practiced it for at least ten years

– Not having been convicted of intentional crimes

About the criteria that judges evaluate, It is understood that they are:

– Professional experience: Experience in the legal sector is valued, especially in areas such as criminal investigation, the fight against corruption and the defense of human rights.

– Moral profile: We are looking for a candidate with a high level of integrity and professional ethics.

– Leadership

– Independence: Although the last ones who have held this position have shown their inclination towards the current government, it is intended that the prosecutor does not have political or economic ties that could affect his independence.