Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged voters to reject violence ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff, saying the country must choose ‘future peace’ over ‘future bloodshed.’
Speaking at a rally in Cali on Friday, Petro called for calm participation in the vote between Abelardo de la Espriella and Historic Pact candidate Ivan Cepeda.
“Whoever approaches a ballot box on Sunday should do so thoughtfully. Every voter should reflect, so that their vote is not filled with future bloodshed, but with future peace,” he told the crowd. “I order this as president and as the holder of the mandate given by the people: no one must attack anyone on Sunday. No one.”
Petro said he was not telling Colombians how to vote, but criticised an increasingly violent language in the campaign.
“Several people have said they are going to disembowel us […] What does ‘to disembowel’ mean? What does this violent language mean?” the president said.
Footage also shows Petro later dancing on stage with performers to loud cheers from supporters. He was also seen crying during an emotional closing address.
“Always, always and always for life and freedom. Always, always and always – long live Colombia, the country of beauty! This was Gustavo Petro speaking, and I served as your president with honour.”
The remarks came just days before Colombians head to the polls for Sunday’s presidential runoff. More than 41 million people are eligible to vote, including over 1.4 million registered overseas.
Source: Viory
