Colombians in Venezuela vote with focus on improving binational relations

Colombians living in Venezuela cast their votes for the next president of Colombia, with a significant focus on the potential for improved bilateral relations between the two nations. This factor is considered crucial by voters for regional stability and integration.

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One seeks integration, another perhaps other interests towards the north.

In voting centers located in Caracas and the border state of Zulia, electors considered Venezuela's ongoing crisis and potential future approaches to the United States when deciding between candidates Abelardo De la Espriella and Iván Cepeda. In Zulia, which has a registered voter population of 45,000, 64 voting tables were set up across Maracaibo, San Carlos del Zulia, and Machiques.

Gabriel Piñero, an election official in Maracaibo, emphasized the impact the next Colombian president would have on Venezuela due to their deep commercial, diplomatic, and traditional ties. "One seeks integration, another perhaps other interests towards the north," Piñero noted, referring to the candidates' differing approaches.

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I think there can be a new relationship, fresh, from scratch, that allows for improvement in both Venezuela and Colombia.

Boris Parra, a voter, expressed his desire to prevent Colombia from experiencing situations similar to Venezuela's. "I think there can be a new relationship, fresh, from scratch, that allows for improvement in both Venezuela and Colombia," he stated. Álvaro La Torre, voting outside the Colombian consulate in Caracas, felt that one of the Colombian candidates represented a "continuation of the tragedy of Venezuela." He added, "I feel happy to have fulfilled my sacred duty and contributed to Colombia not living the tragedy of Venezuela."

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I feel happy to have fulfilled my sacred duty and contributed to Colombia not living the tragedy of Venezuela.

Regarding candidate De la Espriella, who previously served as the lawyer for businessman Alex Saab, currently imprisoned in the U.S. and accused of being a front man for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, La Torre defended the professional's right to practice law. "Lawyers have the right to practice their profession, and they can pursue any cause, regardless of their client's future conduct," he concluded.

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Lawyers have the right to practice their profession, and they can pursue any cause, regardless of their client's future conduct.