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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Colombians Back Court Ruling on Re-election
Credit:UN/DPI Photo
Álvaro Uribe
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Colombia are satisfied with a recent decision by the country's foremost tribunal, according to a poll by Napoleón Franco & Cía. released by Semana and RCN. 68 per cent of respondents support the Constitutional Court's ruling to allow for consecutive presidential re-election in Colombia.
In November 2004, the Colombian House of Representatives voted 113-16 to pass legislation that would allow presidential re-election in the South American country. On Oct. 19, the Constitutional Court officially sanctioned the plan. The tribunal must still issue an opinion on the way an incumbent must conduct campaign activities so as not to have an unfair advantage against other contenders.
Colombian president Álvaro Uribe took office in August 2002, after winning the presidential election as a semi-independent candidate under the Colombia First (PC) banner with 53.1 per cent of all cast ballots. The head of state—who had been a member of the Colombian Liberal Party (PLC)—has remained popular despite failing in his bid to achieve constitutional changes through a referendum in 2003.
Uribe expressed satisfaction with the tribunal's decision, saying, "Allowing presidents to be re-elected immediately means more responsibilities towards the people." Former head of state César Gaviria ruled out becoming a candidate once again.
A candidate must receive more than 50 per cent of all cast ballots to avoid a second round. The next presidential election is tentatively scheduled for May 2006.
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose the Constitutional Court's ruling to allow for consecutive presidential re-election in Colombia?
Support | 68% |
Oppose | 26% |
No reply | 6% |
Source: Napoleón Franco & Cía. / Semana / RCN
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews to 447 Colombian adults in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga, conducted on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21, 2005. Margin of error is 4.8 per cent.