On a rainy, dark evening in June, a narrow strip of grass between traffic lanes in the southern Colombian town of San Jose del Guaviare was filled with a chaotic but excited atmosphere. Supporters had gathered to cheer for Abelardo de la Espriella, the far-right presidential candidate nicknamed 'The Tiger.'
The sound of plastic trumpets mixed with car horns. The slogan 'Strong for the homeland' rang through the crowd. Many attendees wore the bright yellow soccer jerseys of the Colombian national team, the same attire de la Espriella often dons during his campaign stops.
Many are optimistic that de la Espriella is on the verge of victory. On Sunday, he will compete in the decisive round to choose Colombia's next president. However, experts warn that a win for de la Espriella would not only mean a return of right-wing leadership but could also open a new 'radical' chapter in Colombian politics.
That excites Luisa Castro, a former business owner. She came to the rally in a yellow soccer jersey. 'I chose Abelardo de la Espriella because he is someone we have never seen in politics before. He is different,' she said under the town's fluorescent streetlights.
