two mentioned currents. Conservatism is the second political force whose official candidate, former Minister Juan Camilo Restrepo barely moves in the margin of error!!!

What is the impact on the May 26 presidential election? Not much. The presidential elections are not a reflection of parliamentary elections and the electoral behavior will be different. The independent opinion plays a major role and the only adherence of elected congressmen –and even the defeated- fails to score a victory. This used to be so in the past. Now times are changing.

The fact that the left plunged into such a difficult economic and social situation fails to grow calls some attention. The isolated victories of Antonio Navarro and Gustavo Petro should not meet the expectations of those eager to build a viable left in Colombia: its presidential candidate, Luis Garzón, has lured attention due to his sensibility, responsibility and communication skills but the kindness and admiration he awakened have not translated into votes yet. The presence of the guerrilla is an almost unsurpassable obstacle to the growth of a left-leaning party.

The survival of the two-party system is at stake in Colombia. The conservative party is giving signs of being seriously damaged and the liberal party is experiencing a drastic crack because the dissident candidate’s vote preferences are overwhelming according to polls. How to overcome this impasse? The two candidates are heading two multiform coalitions. An omen perhaps? I wish the political reform everyone promises should serve to rescue the indispensability of serious political parties in Colombia.