Notes

Fico Gutierrez has the potential of being recognized as "Uribe’s candidate"
Since the night of Sunday, Federico Fico Gutierrez is the most stable candidate for president in Colombia. Although it's not the first time his name is mentioned on electoral card - he was previously the Medellin mayor and councilor in the past - this is his first time at a national election. With more than two millions votes cast in the Team for Colombia coalition alliance they see him as an attractive candidate for conservative movements and those who fear the possibility of a leftist president. Fico (47-year-old Fico), as he's referred to as, is the primary opponent to Gustavo Petro. He was, with the Historic Pact, one of three candidates in the race which determined who would be the three major political forces.

The presidential campaign is only starting. How former Mayor Medellin can fight petrismo and form alliances and negotiate with foreign countries will determine his success. He will not only need to unite all the right under his banner, but will also have to conquer some of the electorate in the center that appeared to be broken and lacking in leadership. To achieve this, he has to continue to avoid, just as he does so far with AlvaroUribe. picture. Today's public support for uribism is the first in the last 20 years. Instead of adding, it might subtract. "Federico Gutierrez faces a dilemma. He has to form an alliance with the Democratic Center (CD) - Uribe's political party, but at the same time he will have to convince the center, which will have to decide on where it is heading," says Yann Basset, expert and professor at the University of Rosario.

Fico is on the journey to join forces along with CD, the heart of uribism as of Monday Fico already has its first conquest. The candidate for that party up until Monday, the former presidential aspirant Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, took the initiative to step back, acknowledged his limited chances of competing with him, and offered his support. It will be interesting to examine if the entire Uribismo group that was without a spokesperson until Monday, will offer support. Uribe will be able to publicly support his candidate and convince his electorate by presenting the classic issues that make up the Colombian left. This should not be an issue for Uribe. The speech he delivered of "security", "order", "opportunities" and "love of the country" already showed him that he has the ability to increase votes. As he did during his time in Antioquia's mayor's office, he confirmed it with the election consultation. In a recent trip to Arauca (an area that has been particularly hit by violence) He said "The bandits are locked up or are in graves." Fico is well-versed in the Colombian legal system, but this will not suffice.

Basset points out, "We aren’t in 2018 in which the fear of the left has was a success," Basset stresses that Fico might not get Uribe's blessing, because Alvaro Uribe has not been able to claim the title of leader absolute from 2002, when the country chose him as president. The vote of Uribismo are still crucial to Gutierrez. Uribism contributed to the victory in the coalition. Basset warns that now his ability as negotiator is going be constrained. "To convince the right, but not to spend all of his money on this alliance, will be his goal." Andres Mejia Vergnaud, an analyst, discusses the relationship between Fico and former president. "The great difficulty for Federico Gutierrez, however, is that he would like Uribismo's vote, but without Uribe's photo because it doesn’t suit him to be his choice."

Gustavo Petro (left) is the sole candidate. Gustavo Petro (right) remains the one who is looking to win the presidency unless Fico (if he negotiates - is able to convince Fico to let him go and offer the support he needs. https://www.eltiempo.com/elecciones-2022/presidencia/federico-gutierrez-hablo-de-sus-propuestas-en-el-debate-presidencial-658392 , who contested the election independently, is still running. Gutierrez must include the former Bucaramanga mayor, a millionaire and builder, in his list of accomplishments if he wishes to end petrismo.

Gutierrez has a lot to sit down to negotiate before even considering names for his possible presidential strategy however, what he has is the backing of the other candidates that were competing for leadership in the Team for Colombia coalition. https://thebogotapost.com/fico-eyes-colombias-presidency-an-interview-with-pre-candidate-federico-gutierrez/49519/ 's not just a little. https://www.portafolio.co/elecciones-2022/discurso-fico-gutierrez-tras-ganar-coalicion-de-equipo-por-colombia-562882 has two ex-mayors Enrique Penalosa (Bogota), Alex Char (Barranquilla) as his companions. David Barguil (leader of the Conservative Party) as well as Aydee Zarazo (a Christian party member who votes according to church orders.

The Conservative Party has been strengthened and has received the most vote from right-wing forces with more than 2 million votes. Additionally, the U Party has shown sympathy towards the Conservative Party. They also have a strong vote, less than one million votes for the legislative. Oscar Ivan Zuluaga was there to stand with Fico. He didn't leave Sunday's elections without taking the opportunity to play down his defeat and keep out of a battle for votes of those on the left. This provides Fico an edge in a specific area of conservatism. However, it also prevents him from votes that could come from the center. The statement of Alvaro Uribe, the former President, which summoned his party to meet Tuesday, will establish whether Fico will sacrifice his chances in the center to become the openly Uribe that is blessed.
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