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The Historic Pact's historic victory opens a new era for Colombia
NICK MACWILLIAM of Justice for Colombia on the huge challenges facing the country's first ever left government
Former rebel Gustavo Petro, left, his wife Veronica Alcocer, back center, and his running mate Francia Marquez, celebrate before supporters after winning a runoff presidential election in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday, June 19, 2022

GUSTAVO PETRO is the new president of Colombia. The country’s new vice-president is Francia Marquez, the first African-Colombian woman to hold the role. 

Their coalition, the Historic Pact, drew together a broad front of progressive parties and received strong backing from young people, women, ethnic minorities, trade unions and the pro-peace movement. 

That the Pact garnered strong support from sectors of the population historically excluded from national politics – often through violent means – reflects the desire for change and how this was embodied in the Historic Pact’s political agenda. 

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