Fajardo asks for a 'clean' campaign in Colombia from candidates heading to runoff

Former Colombian presidential candidate Sergio Fajardo has appealed to the two candidates heading to the June 21st runoff election to engage in a "clean" campaign characterized by respectful debates and a commitment to political plurality. Fajardo, who represented a center-left coalition and garnered over one million votes in the first round, expressed concern over what he described as "inflamed, sectarian, and aggressive" rhetoric from the leading candidates following the initial vote.

In a social media message titled 'The Spirit of the Million Votes,' Fajardo emphasized the responsibility of the two finalists, ultrarightist Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda, to represent the majority of voters and broaden their support beyond their first-round bases. He noted that while his own campaign did not advance, the more than one million votes received signified a "serious and safe" change, aligning with moderate and centrist sectors that resisted the country's increasing political polarization.

Fajardo warned that the divisive discourse he observed could foreshadow negative outcomes for Colombia and posed risks to the nation's democratic life. He urged for a campaign that fosters a "renewed democratic culture" and avoids deepening the country's political divisions. He also stated that the votes cast for his candidacy were "free" and that he would not issue a directive endorsing either of the remaining candidates at this time.

Looking ahead, Fajardo announced that he would present a "Decalogue of the Million" on Wednesday. This proposal, he explained, would outline the principles and priorities representing those who supported his candidacy, aiming to contribute "governability and centrality" to the incoming government. His focus remains on promoting a more unified and less polarized political future for Colombia.

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There is a non-disclosure clause in it, so I couldn't show it to you right away.