Colombian college student Gabriela Alonso Jaramillo explains her country’s politics to the apolitical

In Colombia, Gabriela Alonso Jaramillo is an anomaly. In a country where polarization is rising and youth voter turnout is low, she stands out as the only one in her group of friends who cares about local and national politics. The 23-year-old public affairs and political science double major at the University of the Andes in Bogotá was alarmed when a classmate in her political science major told Alonso that she aspires to be apolitical. "I, as someone who studies the same major, wondered how she could say that," Alonso said.

Alonso's interest in politics was further fueled when she worked on a local political campaign in 2023. She witnessed how candidates courted (or didn't) youth voters, and her friend's apolitical aspirations made more sense. Politics felt inaccessible to many young people, Alonso realized, and most politicians didn't understand how to reach them in genuine ways.

Determined to change this, Alonso started a TikTok account called Política para apolíticos (Politics for the Apolitical), where she explains Colombian politics in a clear, straightforward way. Her goal is to help viewers understand how government and power works in the country. Alonso's videos are educational explainers that range from breaking down the day's major stories to spelling out how institutions like the Supreme Court and Congress work.

"The first thing they tell us [in my public affairs major] is that you are going to govern for the people and you must understand that people don't understand exactly what you understand," she said. "You have to find a way to translate for that person so they can understand what you are doing."

Today, Alonso has nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok and 58,000 on Instagram. Her content has resonated with many young Colombians who feel disconnected from politics. By using relatable language and engaging formats, Alonso has created a space where politics can be approached without the overwhelming complexity that often deterred younger audiences.

Alonso's mission extends beyond her social media presence. She believes that understanding politics is essential for making informed decisions and participating in the democratic process. In a country where polarization is on the rise, her efforts to bridge the gap between politicians and the youth are crucial.

As Alonso continues to grow her following, she remains committed to demystifying politics for those who find it daunting. Her work serves as a reminder that even in a polarized landscape, there is room for dialogue and education. By breaking down complex topics into digestible content, Alonso is not only helping her followers understand politics but also fostering a more informed and engaged youth voter base in Colombia.