"Ivan Cepeda, senator and presidential candidate for the Historic Pact, closed his congressional campaign in Bogota on Friday with a defiant message to supporters. Footage shows the concert held at Plaza Bolivar, where supporters of the leftist candidate gathered, as he thanked those present for their support throughout the campaign. Musical and dance performances took place as those in attendance cheered for the 63-year-old. During the event, Cepeda addressed his bid for the presidency, presenting it as a continuation of his longstanding advocacy for the rights of Colombian citizens. "Today we close the phase of public events of our campaign for the Senate and the House of Representatives with gratitude for the massive support we have received from the Colombian people throughout the country, in every square, in every street, in every rural area, in every municipality, in every corner of Colombia," Cepeda told supporters. "We have confirmed that the country has changed in these years of our first progressive government. The Colombian people have achieved a new level of political awareness, and today they are willing not to allow their rights to be taken away," he added. In his address, Cepeda reaffirmed that under his leadership, Colombia would confront corruption at the highest levels of power and work to strengthen social protections. "Essential principle of the ethical revolution. In my government we will give no respite, we will give no truce to those who engage in grand corruption and steal from the Colombian people resources for health, education, peace, the victims," he proclaimed. On March 8, citizens will elect the new members of the Congress of the Republic of Colombia for the 2026-2030 term, in a vote that will include the Senate and the House of Representatives. On election day, 102 senators will be elected by popular vote. Of these, 100 will be chosen in a national constituency, through lists competing throughout Colombian territory. Additionally, the presidential candidate with the second-highest vote will be entitled to a seat in the Senate, bringing the total to 103 senators. The first round of Colombia's presidential election is scheduled for May 31, with frontrunner Ivan Cepeda of the Historic Pact seeking to succeed incumbent President Gustavo Petro. Conservative candidate Abelardo de la Esperiella will also stand in the upcoming election."