Parra was elected President of Colombia by congress.
During the general election for president in 1876, none of the three candidates obtained enough votes to become president.
Thus, Congress decide the election by giving Parra 48 votes, Rafael Nuñez 18 votes and Bartolomé Calvo 18 votes.
becoming the first and only President of Colombia from Santander.

Parra was inaugurated as President of Colombia on April 1, 1876.
Three months later he had deal with the events that lead to the bloodiest civil war of the 19th century.
The liberal party was divided in two groups, the "Radicals", loyal to Parra and the "Independent", loyal to Rafel Núñez.
The Conservatives, united in one group, launched the military offensive in the States of Antioquia and Cauca.
Parra was elected President of Colombia by congress. During the general election for president in 1876, none of the three candidates obtained enough votes to become president. Thus, Congress decide the election by giving Parra 48 votes, Rafael Nuñez 18 votes and Bartolomé Calvo 18 votes. becoming the first and only President of Colombia from Santander.
Parra was inaugurated as President of Colombia on April 1, 1876. Three months later he had deal with the events that lead to the bloodiest civil war of the 19th century. The liberal party was divided in two groups, the "Radicals", loyal to Parra and the "Independent", loyal to Rafel Núñez. The Conservatives, united in one group, launched the military offensive in the States of Antioquia and Cauca.
Aquileo Parra