Colombian VP candidate Aída Quilcué votes, highlights indigenous participation

Aída Quilcué, the vice-presidential candidate for the leftist coalition led by Iván Cepeda, cast her vote in Bogotá ahead of the closing of polls for Colombia's presidential election runoff. Arriving at her polling station in the Plaza de Bolívar, accompanied by indigenous supporters from her native Cauca region, Quilcué emphasized the crucial role of diverse communities in the electoral process.

"I believe the participation of indigenous, peasant, and ethnic peoples has been fundamental," Quilcué told reporters. "Today they have come out of the jungles, the rivers, the vast territories and have sent us evidence of how they have mobilized today with full commitment and consciousness."

“

I believe the participation of indigenous, peasant, and ethnic peoples has been fundamental. Today they have come out of the jungles, the rivers, the vast territories and have sent us evidence of how they have mobilized today with full commitment and consciousness.

Quilcué, whose running mate Cepeda faces off against the far-right candidate Aberlardo de la Espriella, appeared calm regarding the election's progress. She expressed optimism that the results, expected after 4:00 PM local time, would reflect a "conscious and free decision" by Colombians exercising their democratic rights as defined by the constitution.

The election marks a significant moment for Colombia, with voters deciding between distinct political visions for the country's future. Quilcué's remarks underscore the importance of representation and participation for marginalized groups in the democratic process.

“

I believe the most beautiful thing about Colombia is that there is a conscious and free decision, that everyone exercises democracy as defined by the Political Constitution of Colombia.