Meet Gaitana, the Digital Candidate on Colombia’s Ballot

An artificial intelligence-generated candidate is set to take part in Colombia’s March legislative elections, marking an unusual experiment at the intersection of technology and politics.

The candidate, named Gaitana, is running for one of the seats reserved for Indigenous communities, which are designed to guarantee political representation for minority groups.

Presented online as a blue-skinned woman and described as an environmental and animal rights advocate, Gaitana operates through a campaign built around digital participation. Organizers say that if elected, policy decisions would be made through virtual public voting, allowing citizens to directly influence legislative positions.

Election authorities say the candidacy is legally registered and will appear on the ballot identified as artificial intelligence, reflecting how existing rules can accommodate campaigns driven by technology rather than a traditional individual candidate.