President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella said Colombians on Sunday that he will govern for all citizens, regardless of their vote [1].
The speech marks a critical attempt to stabilize a polarized electorate after a high-stakes election. By emphasizing reconciliation, De La Espriella seeks to prevent civil unrest and reassure the opposition that the transition of power will remain democratic.
Speaking from the "La Ventana al Mundo" monument in Barranquilla, De La Espriella delivered a message focused on national unity [2]. He said to those who did not support his candidacy that the democratic process does not create irreconcilable enemies [2].
"I am going to govern for all Colombians, for those who voted for me and for those who chose another candidate," De La Espriella said [1].
The address lasted nearly one hour [3]. During the speech, the president-elect rejected the idea of political vengeance. He said there would be no winners or losers, no retaliations, and no persecutions because compatriots who think differently still possess the same rights [2].
De La Espriella framed the election result as a collective achievement rather than a partisan victory. "This is also your victory," he said [4].
The president-elect's choice of venue in Barranquilla served as a backdrop for his call to move past political divisions. He said that in a democracy, the primary goal is the shared well-being of the country, which requires the cooperation of all citizens regardless of their political affiliation [2].
“"I am going to govern for all Colombians, for those who voted for me and for those who chose another candidate."”
De La Espriella's early emphasis on non-retaliation is a strategic move to mitigate the friction often associated with a right-wing shift in Colombian politics. By explicitly denying the existence of 'irreconcilable enemies,' he is attempting to lower the political temperature and secure a mandate for governance that extends beyond his own voter base.
