"Colombia's opposition Democratic Centre party announced on Monday its presidential candidate, consolidating her as the party's choice to lead its ticket in the 2026 elections. "We want to tell Colombia and the Democratic Centre party that, as of today, our presidential candidate is Senator Paloma Valencia," announced the director of the party, Gabriel Vallejo, during an event in the New Building of the Congress. After weeks of debate and analysis, the senator managed to prevail over fellow party members Maria Fernanda Cabal and Paola Holguin in an internal consultation. Paloma Valencia is a senator of the Republic, one of the most visible figures of the Democratic Centre, and one of the voices closest to former President Alvaro Uribe Velez. "We will honour President Uribe's legacy, just as we will honour his teachings. President, your most loyal soldier, the one most committed to your vision for the country," said Valencia from the stage. The candidate also promised to promote the restoration of security, combat coca cultivation, eradicate crops and destroy laboratories, as well as to "demand every last peso" from those involved in the illegal drug trade. "You will have a president who loves you, respects you, and above all feels deep gratitude, because risking one's life every day to defend the lives of Colombians does not come easy," she concluded. Legislative elections to renew Congress are set for March 8, 2026, ahead of presidential elections scheduled for May 31 of the same year."