THE left candidate for the presidency of Colombia, Senator Ivan Cepeda, has announced that his running mate for vice president in May’s election will be prominent indigenous leader Aida Quilcue.

The two will run on the Historic Pact (HP) ticket in the May 31 presidential elections.

Senator Cepeda highlighted Ms Quilcue’s long track record of defending human rights and her central role in the ethnic chapter of the Havana Peace Accords, which brought about an end to years of bitter fighting in Colombia.

He said the decision was made in conjunction with the HP coalition’s political leadership.

He said: “I feel honoured to announce this decision, as the Regional Indigenous Council of Cauca (CRIC, in Spanish) and Aida represent the best of the traditions of resistance, social struggle, and the construction of a just and democratic country.”

Senator Cepeda said Ms Quilcue’s presence on the ticket symbolises the wisdom of a nation that cries out for justice and the recognition of its ethnic and cultural diversity. “Together, we are going to walk this path,” he declared.

In 2008, Ms Quilcue’s husband, Edwin Legarda, was assassinated in an attack carried out by far-right military personnel.

In early February, Ms Quilcue was the victim of an illegal detention while travelling between the municipalities of Inza and Totoro, in the department of Cauca.