Opposition Primaries: VIctory for Rafael Pardo and Gustavo Petro

On Sunday two important oppoistion parties, the Liberal Party and the Polo Democratico Alternativo, chose their presidential candidates. Rafael Pardo won the liberal consult by a landslide as was expected but the result in the Polo Democrático surprised everyone. The leading candidate was Carlos Gaviria, an intellectual and former magistrate of the Constitutional Court who promises to build a truly radical left, but instead voters chose Gustavo Petro, a former M-19 guerrilla member who is now one of the country's best senators. He represents a more moderate left and is willing to form a coalition with other opposition parties. In general there was a low turnout, a worrying presage for the opposition.