After the results of the first round, Uribe confirmed his support for Abelardo de la Espriella and called for unifying the right-wing sectors ahead of the runoff on June 21.
On a decisive Sunday for the future of democracy, Colombiahas 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”.
Álvaro Uribe
Despite her candidate, senator Paloma Valencia, not advancing to the final stage after obtaining 1,638,338 votes (6.92%) alongside Juan Daniel Oviedo, the Uribismo has prioritized the salvation of the homeland over any party aspirations.
“We have lost. I humbly take responsibility”, stated Uribe, who did not hesitate to give clear instructions to his followers: “Dr. Abelardo De La Espriella won. We keep our word, we will vote for him and we ask that you vote for him and for Colombia”.
The adherence to De la Espriella's program is based on essential pillars for national prosperity that both leaders share: the defense of the Constitution, freedoms, individual creativity, social cohesion, a fraternal economy, and the implementation of a small and austere State. This vision for the country seeks to definitively close the door to the statist and oppressive model that has plunged the region into decay.
Abelardo de la Espriella
For her part, senator Paloma Valencia reaffirmed her commitment to this united front for freedom, putting aside the harshness of the contest: “Despite the attacks, despite the wounds, we have our hearts always ready... to serve Colombia”, the congresswoman pointed out as she confirmed her alliance with De la Espriella to defend the market economy.
With this strategic backing, a national majority is consolidated, ready to choose the new occupant of the Casa de Nariño for the term starting on August 7, under the premise that under the leadership of Abelardo de la Espriella, the country will regain the path of development and legality.
