Colombia's Ivan Cepeda Drops New Constitution Push Before June 21 Runoff

3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 4

Ivan Cepeda said he would pursue national reforms through broad consensus, shelving support for a constituent assembly as he courts centrist voters ahead of Colombia's June 21 presidential runoff.
The 63-year-old leftist had previously backed a new constitution if it won broad public support, but Petro's push for an assembly drew criticism from centrists and the right over risks to democratic checks and balances.
Cepeda said the government committee studying the proposal has halted its work and ended signature collection, aligning instead with a plan for a broad national agreement with running mate Aida Quilcue.
The shift reflects Cepeda's need to expand beyond his first-round base after finishing second to right-wing rival Abelardo De La Espriella, who is expected to consolidate support from other conservative candidates.