Presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella cast his vote Sunday in the second-round presidential election in Barranquilla [1].

As a primary contender in the runoff, de la Espriella's participation serves as a public call for civic engagement and a symbolic challenge to the current administration's power.

De la Espriella arrived at the Colegio La Enseñanza school in the north of the city around 10 a.m. [2, 3]. He was accompanied by his wife, Ana Lucía Pineda, and four children [4]. Dozens of followers gathered at the polling station to support the candidate [5].

Wearing a Colombian national soccer team jersey, de la Espriella linked the political moment to a sporting event. "Hoy se juega el partido más importante de Colombia," he said, which translates to "Today the most important match for Colombia is played" [6].

Beyond the symbolic attire, the candidate used the occasion to frame the runoff as a critical struggle for the country's future. He said for voters to "derrotar al régimen" — to defeat the regime [4].

De la Espriella and his running mate, José Manuel Restrepo, have positioned their campaign as a necessary alternative to the existing political structure [4]. The candidate said that exercising his right to vote was a fulfillment of his civic duty and a way to encourage other Colombians to participate in the election [1, 4].

“"Hoy se juega el partido más importante de Colombia"”

The use of nationalistic imagery and the rhetoric of 'defeating a regime' indicates a campaign strategy centered on populist appeal and systemic change. By framing the election as a high-stakes 'match' for the nation, de la Espriella is attempting to mobilize a base through emotional urgency and national identity during the final stage of the presidential race.