Presidential candidate and senator Iván Cepeda backed the decision by the promoting committee to withdraw the proposal for a Constituent Assembly on Thursday [1].
The move signals a strategic shift toward political moderation following the electoral results of Sunday, June 2, as Cepeda attempts to build a broader coalition to regain governance support.
Cepeda said the decision represents a moment for union and concertation. He specifically called for an encounter with the political center, democratic liberalism, and reformist sectors [1].
The project had previously sought to gather 2.5 million signatures to move forward [2]. While some viewed the withdrawal as a setback for the initiative, Cepeda said it is an opportunity to unite with the center [2].
This pivot follows a challenging election cycle where Cepeda finished in second place during the first round of the presidential race [3]. He said he must convince the center that he possesses the strength and autonomy to fulfill promises that President Petro broke [4].
The withdrawal also comes amid scrutiny of the initiative's leadership. Reports indicated that the family of the Constituent Assembly leader held contracts valued at more than $20 billion [3].
Cepeda said the decision is intended to allow President Petro to recover support. By stepping away from the more radical proposal of a new constitution, the candidate aims to position himself as an institutional leader for the left [4].
“Es el momento de la unión y de la concertación.”
The withdrawal of the Constituent Assembly proposal reflects a tactical retreat by the Colombian left to avoid further political isolation. By pivoting toward the center and distancing himself from the more disruptive constitutional ambitions of the Petro administration, Cepeda is attempting to broaden his electoral appeal and establish a more stable, institutional platform for the second round of presidential contention.
