The right-wing hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella cast his vote this Sunday in the first round of the Colombian presidential elections and took the opportunity to call for "defeating tyranny," alluding to the Historical Pact of the current president, Gustavo Petro, and the candidate Iván Cepeda.
"Today freedom, democracy are being decided. We are going to defeat tyranny in the first round," he stated at the entrance of the La Enseñanza school, in Barranquilla, where he arrived to vote about 40 minutes after the polls opened.
The candidate entered the polling station protected by his security detail and surrounded by supporters, raising his fists before voting as a gesture of determination. He then showed journalists the ballot with his name marked and gave his usual salute "firmes por la patria" (firm for the homeland), similar to a military salute.
De la Espriella plans to stay in Barranquilla all day, from where he will follow the course of the electoral day and learn the results of this first presidential round.
For his part, his running mate, José Manuel Restrepo, cast his vote early in Bogotá, accompanied by his family, and called for massive participation to prevent the country from being left "on the brink of the abyss."
The polling stations opened at 8:00 AM (3:00 PM in mainland Spain) and will close at 4:00 PM (11:00 PM in mainland Spain). De la Espriella and Cepeda are emerging as the main favorites in this contest.