Opposition senator Gustavo Petro (Polo Democrático) wants a united
block of social democratic parties and social movements to form an
alliance to beat the Uribista coalition in the 2010 elections.
“If the left abandons political sectarianism and a certain childlike extreme-leftism that you see is penetrating, if it can build a democratic convergence without selfishness, it can help build a new majority that will govern in 2010,” the senator told newspaper El Espectador.
The M19-guerrilla-turned-politician has earlier shown interest in the 2010 presidency, but hopes the democratic left will come forth with one single candidate and form a leftist block facing the strongly supported right wing government.
“For now i think there are four great forces that could integrate into this alliance: Polo Democrático, the Liberal Party, the independent forces [consisting of politicians like Antanas Mockus and Sergio Fajardo] and social movements like the labor unions, indigenous movements and so forth,”
The senator also thinks disappointed Uribe supporters would be able to join the coalition.
Colombia is currently governed by the right wing Álvaro Uribe with the support of a number of large and small parties in Congress.