Colombian Liberals conflicted over eliminating presidential re-elections

The Liberal senator from the First Committee of the Senate, Juan Fernando Cristo, stirred up controversy on Wednesday after saying that his party is against presidential re-elections, but only after 2018.

President Juan Manuel Santos was elected in 2010 on clear ground rules from the previous administration that allow him to run for a second term. However, the socialist party Polo Democratico, led by Senator Alexander Lopez Maya, has been trying to amend those rules.

According to Cristo, “If he [Santos] was elected under these rules, we cannot change midway and prohibit re-election… and we should allow the constitution to remain in force until a new president is elected.”

The senator went on to say that they should wait until 2018 to determine whether to eliminate re-elections.

Roy Barreras of the U Party describes Cristo’s position as opportunistic and that liberalism in the past has always opposed re-election, and now that they are in power, they want to remain until 2018.

According to Barreras, “[Cristo’s] proposal is inconsistent, and I invite Senator Cristo, who has never been in favor of re-election, to vote with the Polo Democratic in saying ‘no’ to re-elections.”

The Polo Democratico’s proposal, however, does not have enough votes and is expected to sink.

Related posts

Former president maintains control over Colombia’s Liberal Party

UN Security Council extends monitoring of Colombia’s peace process

Defense minister believes Pegasus spyware no longer used in Colombia