Colombian vice presidential candidates expressed mixed views on continuing the policies of President Gustavo Petro during a regional debate on May 6 [1].

The responses highlight a deep ideological divide among the contenders as they seek to define their platforms ahead of the upcoming elections. The debate centered on whether the candidates would maintain the current administration's specific projects and governance strategies.

During the Gran Debate Vicepresidencial, candidates Leonardo Huerta, Juan Daniel Oviedo, and Edna Bonilla were asked to provide simple "yes" or "no" answers regarding the continuity of the president's projects [1]. The candidates participated in the event from various regions across the country [1].

One of the primary points of contention involved the "Total Peace" policy implemented by the Petro government [1]. According to reports on the proceedings, the candidates said no to maintaining this specific peace strategy [1].

While the candidates differed on the peace process, their responses to other government policies were mixed [1]. The format of the debate forced the candidates to commit to specific positions on the administration's legacy rather than offering nuanced explanations.

This regional approach to the debate allowed the candidates to engage with different demographics across Colombia while addressing the central question of whether the next administration would represent a continuation or a rejection of the current government's direction [1].

“Candidates said no to maintaining the "Total Peace" policy.”

The rejection of the 'Total Peace' policy by vice presidential candidates suggests a potential shift in Colombia's security strategy. If the winning ticket moves away from this framework, it may signal a return to more traditional security measures or a different approach to negotiating with armed groups, reflecting a broader electoral trend of dissatisfaction with the current administration's peace initiatives.