Left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro narrowly won the second round of Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday. The ex-guerrilla fighter, who has promised major social and economic changes, will become the first progressive president in the history of the South American country. This is reported by international news agencies.
With over 99 percent of the votes counted, the 62-year-old Petro comes in at 50.5 percent of the vote. His right-wing opponent, populist real estate mogul Rodolfo Hernández, got 47.3 percent. The wealthy businessman surprisingly came second in the first round of the ballot at the end of May. The second round has been unpredictable ever since.
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Petro’s election is historic. The former mayor of the capital Bogotá, now a senator, has pledged to fight inequality in Colombia, including through free university education and pension reforms. He also does not want to allow new oil projects.
People’s victory
“Today is a day of celebration for the people,” said Petro, a former member of the M-19 guerrilla movement. on Twitter† “Let them celebrate the first people’s victory. The message “Gracias Colombia” appeared on a screen at its headquarters in Bogota.
Outgoing President Iván Duque congratulated Petro shortly after the announcement of the official results. Hernández, who was embroiled in a neck-and-neck race with Petro according to the latest polls, has admitted his defeat. “I accept the result, as it must be if we want our institutions to be strong,” Hernández said in a video posted on social media.