On a decisive Sunday for the future of democracy, Colombia has taken a firm step towards the restoration of its fundamental values. Following the results of the first presidential round held on May 31, the electoral landscape has clarified in favor of the forces of order.
According to bulletin number 35 from the National Civil Registry, with 99.92 percent of the polling stations counted, lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and his vice-presidential candidate José Manuel Restrepo achieved a resounding victory by obtaining 10,351,548 votes (43.73%).
This crushing victory over the extreme left model represented by Iván Cepeda and Aída Quilcué, who garnered 9,683,743 votes (40.91%), has prompted an immediate and necessary cohesion among democratic sectors. In light of the imminent second round on June 21, former president Álvaro Uribe Vélez announced his party's total and unconditional support for De la Espriella's project.
With the authority conferred by his legacy of security, Uribe Vélez emphasized that the country is at a vital crossroads. “Colombia cannot continue on the path of becoming a branch of chavismo”, warned the former president, directly linking Cepeda's candidacy to the current government of Gustavo Petro and criminal structures.
In a message filled with national urgency, the leader of the Democratic Center declared: “Colombia cannot pretend to elect presidents like Cepeda, supported by terrorist groups”.
