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Political marriage -Mockus and Parody |
The future of Bogota is at stake on 30 October 2011. Outgoing Mayor Samuel Moreno is in jail as he faces trial for corruption on a monumental scale. He leaves behind him a city in desperate need of strong political leadership, and drastic change. Bogotanos know they must choose wisely.
Whoever wins needs a clear mandate. But polls show that the electorate are hopelessly divided. There is a bewildering number of candidates to choose from and votes are spread relatively evenly, and consequently thinly. Worryingly, neither of the two front runners - Gustavo Petro and Enrique Penalosa - are polling above even 20%. What Bogota desperately doesn't need is a mayor who's scraped to victory.
Welcome news today then that former mayor Antanas Mockus and Gina Parody have joined forces and will now stand on the same platform. This narrows the field, offering a chance to vote both for experience and a fresh state at the same time - an always intoxicating political cocktail.
Two days ago, this website reported on Penalosa's bid, and Uribe's support - this story eclipses that.