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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2022
CONTACT:
Elyssa Pachico | +1 503 347 23 29 | press@alianzaamericas.org
Myneilles Negron | +1 703 585 6727 | mynellies@communicationsshop.us
Yesterday’s electoral result in Colombia marks an important historical precedent for that country, as well as for the potential role of a more democratic, more equitable, and more responsible Latin America with regard to the planet’s health. The majority of Colombian voters rejected voting out of fear, opting instead for another path that they believed had the strongest potential for overcoming the biggest problems that affect the lives of the majority of Colombian people. The challenges for the newly elected leadership are immense, especially regarding the acute economic inequality that affects the majority of the population. Alianza Americas, the largest network of organizations led by immigrants of Latin American origin in the United States of America, issued the following statements in reaction:
“We congratulate Gustavo Petro, president-elect of Colombia, as well as his running mate, Francia Márquez, for his electoral victory. It is clear that his victory represents the triumph of hope over fear. As an Afro-Latin American woman, I am proud to know that the Colombian people have elected, for the first time in their history, a Black vice president,” said Mirtha Colon, president of the board of directors of Alianza Americas, as well as president of Hondurans Against AIDS, and president of the Central American Black Organization (ONECA). “The promises made about favoring public policies that transversally incorporate women, Indigenous peoples, the Afro-descendant population, LGBTQ+ people, and other historically excluded and oppressed groups fills us with joy. We are going to do everything in our power to ensure that the aspirations of the Colombian and Latin American people come true. Our people are thirsty for real solutions to our most serious challenges”, she added.
“The triumph of a presidential campaign that has committed itself to promoting a comprehensive development model that resolves the greatest economic and social challenges of the Colombian people, while seeking to separate itself from the extractivist strategies that do so much damage to the planet, is a ray of hope for Colombia, Latin America, and the entire world,” said Oscar Chacón, executive director of Alianza Americas. “The electoral victory of Gustavo Petro and Francia Márquez also presents an enormous opportunity to strengthen a Latin American agenda that centers the welfare of the majority. Beyond a turn to the left, Colombia’s electoral result has the potential to represent a turn towards democratic practices that truly produce solutions to the most serious problems that affect the Colombian and Latin American people,” he added.
“It’s also worth highlighting the important lesson in strong democracies that Colombia has given the world, evidenced by the losing candidate’s timely concession, as well as Colombia’s president recognizing the Petro-Marquez victory. Democracy is strengthened when the basic rules of the game are respected by all those involved”, concluded Chacón.
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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America. Alianza’s digital organizing powerhouse is Presente.org.
