Bogota mayoral candidates Antanas Mockus and Gina Parody forged a political alliance one month before the October elections, Colombian media reported.
Parody confirmed the strategic alliance Wednesday, explaining that it was formed “because it is about clear principles, about the basis of transparency, about the basis of the non-negotiation policy and the firmness on security.”
The two candidates wrote letters detailing the reasons for their support of the other candidate.
In the letter from Mockus titled “Why Gina?”, he said he supports Parody “because she has the training and attitude necessary to make the economy of Bogota grow faster.”
Mockus also commended her security policies, saying “her vision for security issues will help remove from Bogota any remaining paramilitary or Bacrim [criminal gangs].”
“Her firmness against corruption and cronyism will protect public resources,” Mockus added.
Parody returned the gesture in a letter titled “Why Antanas?”, saying he “represents the experience, accomplishments and the transparency that the city needs today.”
“His strict respect for the division of powers between the council and the mayor is the guarantee against cronyism and corruption,” she wrote.
“It was with his leadership and with citizens that the homicide rate was lowered by 33%, he demonstrated the power of education to reduce poverty and violence and increase the job opportunities in the city.”
Mockus was in fourth place in the most recent Bogota mayoral race poll with 9% of the votes. Parody immediately followed with 8%.