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After Colombia election win, Juan Manuel Santos seeks to build on Uribe era
In Colombia's presidential elections on Sunday, Juan Manuel Santos secured an overwhelming mandate to continue the strong security policies of his popular predecessor, Álvaro Uribe. "This is also your victory, President Uribe," said Mr. Santos, calling him one of the "best presidents" in Colombia's history.
But in order to lead effectively, Santos must quickly stamp his own mark on government, political analysts say. In particular, he must address the concerns of millions who voted for runner-up Antanas Mockus, a former mayor of Bogotá promising change in Colombia's corrupt political culture that led to numerous scandals under Uribe.
"The time has come for national unity, the time has come for harmony, the time has come for us to work together for the prosperity of Colombia," Santos told a crowd of cheering supporters gathered in a sports stadium in Bogotá. He won 69 percent of the vote, while Mr. Mockus, running on the Green Party ticket, won 27.5 percent.