The opposition candidate in Colombia’s second-round election, the hard-liner Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, called in sick on Wednesday, claiming he has lost his voice and will be unable to campaign until Sunday’s final election round.
Zuluaga’s campaign early Wednesday morning surprised friends and foes releasing a medical report in which a doctor orders Zuluaga to refrain from working for four days, the exact remainder of the electoral race.
According to media reports, Zuluaga received a house visit from a general practitioner who diagnosed acute laryngitis, an inflammation of the vocal cords.
The Caracol Radio website released a photo of the medical report in which the doctor ordered the presidential candidate respiratory therapy for four consecutive days.
The opposition candidate’s illness was confirmed by Mauricio Gonzalez, press chief of Zuluaga. According to the spokesperson, the presidential candidate will be unavailable for public appearances for an unknown period, depending on what the doctors advise.
Zuluaga’s sick leave came a day after the candidate’s interviews with two radio stations and one television network.
On Tuesday, the last day Zuluaga appeared in public, incumbent President and Zuluaga rival Juan Manuel Santos, announced to begin peace talks with the ELN, Colombia’s second largest rebel group.
The prospects of peace have been one of the most prominent topics in the weeks leading up to Sunday’s election. While Santos has increasingly urged voters to reelect him to secure peace deals, Zuluaga’s proven more critical and has said he will impose stricter condition on the “terrorists.”
As Zuluaga called in sick, Santos withdrew his attendance to a debate on national radio for Friday.
Sources
- Interview with Mauricio Gonzalez
- Incapacitado durante cuatro días Óscar Iván Zuluaga (Caracol Radio)
