Ruptly
"Colombians in Berlin cast their ballots in the first round of presidential elections, at the Colombian embassy on Sunday. Footage shows people arriving at the embassy and voting. Diana, a voter, hailed the economic policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, which she said had resulted in stabilising inflation, reducing unemployment, and increasing the minimum wage for Colombians. "The fact that finally, after many years in Colombia, the common people feel they have a voice is a great achievement of the Petro Government," said another voter, Luz Marina. She added, "Ivan Cepeda can continue with the positive things Petro has been doing, and I believe he can even do it better. I feel he is a more grounded man.” The presidential race is also being seen as an indicator of how Colombia-US relations may evolve. Petro had been critical of US President Donald Trump's operations against 'narco terrorists' in the region and his approach towards Latin American countries. Pre-election polls suggested Petro's ally, Senator Ivan Cepeda, leading the presidential race. The Colombian constitution bars Petro from re-election. "It is the only country the United States has left now to move to the right. And there is a specific candidate who is following Bukele's philosophy, Milei's philosophy, wanting to impose an economic system like Milei's, which we know ended in chaos and, well, is driving Argentine society into total poverty," Diana added. Colombian lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and Senator Paloma Valencia are other frontrunners likely to give Cepeda a tough challenge. Meanwhile, other voters hoped for the incoming government to curb street crime in the country. “My parents are in Colombia. My wife is in Colombia and well, I obviously want greater security for my family and that is what I aspire to have with my vote," said Aaron Gonz. According to official figures provided by the Colombian Embassy, at least 20,898 Colombian citizens are eligible to vote across Germany. Voting for Colombians living abroad opened on May 25 and continued until Sunday, May 31. A candidate would need to win more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round to avoid a run-off. If no single candidate meets that threshold, a run-off will be held between the top two finishers on June 21."
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