Colombian leftist Gustavo Petro received essentially the most votes within the nation’s presidential election on Sunday however not sufficient to keep away from a runoff.
Petro will face a shock contender, businessman Rodolfo Hernandez, within the second spherical in June.
“What’s not unsure right this moment is change,” Petro instructed cheering supporters in central Bogota.
“Now it is about seeing what we are going to do with Colombia, what Colombian society desires for its personal nation.”
Hernandez edged out Federico Gutierrez, who was quantity two within the polls earlier than the vote and had the assist of outgoing President Ivan Duque.
“Right now we all know residents have a agency will to finish corruption as a system of presidency,” Hernandez mentioned on social media.
“The gangs who thought they’d govern eternally misplaced right this moment,” he added.
Petro, a senator, secured 40.4% of votes, nationwide registry workplace tallies confirmed, whereas Hernandez received 27.9%. Petro wanted 50% of the entire votes to have prevented the runoff.
What do the candidates stand for?
Petro has vowed profound financial and social change in Colombia. He has plans to redistribute pensions, make public universities free, and deal with the nation’s inequality and poverty.
He has additionally mentioned he’ll put a cease to new oil and gasoline tasks.
A former member of the M-19 guerrilla motion, Petro has additionally promised to totally implement a 2016 peace take care of the FARC rebels and search peace talks with the still-active ELN rebels.
Hernandez’s spot within the runoff contest got here as a shock
Hernandez, is working on a platform of anti-corruption guarantees. The 77-year-old can be beneath investigation for allegedly favoring an organization his son had lobbied for.
The businessman has additionally pledged to strengthen regulation and order in addition to create jobs, however he has shared scant particulars of these plans.
He rose within the polls solely within the final two weeks, boosted by his colourful social media presence.
Hernandez has mentioned he would discover peace talks with the ELN if elected and proceed to meet the FARC deal.
lo/jsi (AFP, AP, Reuters)