The Uribe government experienced yet another set-back at the hands of the people when growing opposition enabled the Alternative Democratic Pole to win the three main cities in Colombia, Bogota, Medellin and Cali in elections on 28 October. The Mayor of Bogota is regarded as the second most important political position after the President. This advance was secured despite the fact that there were 64 politically motivated killings and 12 kidnappings in the days leading up to the election. Half of the country’s nearly 1,100 municipalities saw electoral violence or intimidation of candidates. The Alternative Democratic Pole now has a solid base for the next presidential elections.
Alvaro Michaels
FRFI 200 December 2007 / January 2008
