Colombian opposition politicians defeat Petro's coalition in local, regional elections
BOGOTA, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Colombian opposition candidates largely swept elections for mayors, governors and regional lawmakers on Sunday, dealing a defeat to President Gustavo Petro's leftist coalition in votes that analysts called a referendum on his government.
Petro, a 63-year-old economist who was elected in August 2022 as the first leftist president in Colombia's history, has low poll ratings, and Sunday's outcome is expected to influence the 2026 presidential election.
Petro cannot seek re-election.
In the capital of Bogota, the ruling coalition's candidate, Gustavo Bolivar, came in third place for mayor, one of the top government positions after the presidency.
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombian-opposition-politicians-defeat-petros-coalition-local-regional-2023-10-30/