There was an electric feeling surrounding Medellin’s Parque Explora on Wednesday evening, as the backdrop to the University of Antioquia campus became the political rallying ground for Gustavo Petro’s campaign. Colombia’s election day is now just nine days away and will see the country take to the polls to select one of five running candidates to take the Presidential seat. With so little time left, candidates from all corners have upped the ante with campaigning as they rally to secure the pivotal votes from undecided Colombians across the country.
In order to enter the free event, male and female visitors were separated into two lines as entrants underwent a security check and a severe pat-down. A staggering amount of attendees were of university age and they waited patiently amidst homemade banners, Colombian flags, Communist flags and Patriotic Union flags, amongst others, to gain access. The mood was one of excitement in the air amidst high-spirited supporters, although one wonders what traits would warrant security to turn you away. Once inside, a large platform adorned with spotlights held the centre stage as the group began to gather and await the political rally to come, at which time supporters proudly paraded large placards in Petro’s support whilst chanting his name. Along the sidelines, there was also a strong security presence as armed officers and security officials on horseback oversaw the event.
The crowd’s excitement continued to grow as the stage was then filled with a number of supporters who addressed a crowd that was already tightly compacted into the arena. Of the local support who took to the stage, a young girl reading a poem about Petro and politics appeared to steal the hearts of the audience. Sometimes stumbling over her words, the young supporter spoke of the promise that this presidential candidate could provide for her future and that of women and children. As the sky began to turn a darkened colour and a downpour consumed the umbrella clad crowd, a rap group then voiced their support through songs and enticed already high morales of the guests. The element of appeal here once again spoke to youthful ideals and a ‘down with the kids’ type of ambience.
The crowd had been waiting for over two and a half hours through rainstorms and rap battles before the contender made it to the stage himself. Holding a small bunch of flowers around the microphone, dressed in a poncho and stood next to a large bodyguard holding a protective shield, the size of the audience seemed to grow for over two hours as he delivered his political statement. As the politician addressed his key campaign promises, the crowd erupted with the words, ‘mas aguacate, menos petroleo‘ and environmental issues, as well as appeals directly to the female vote, remained central topics.
With an age bracket that must have averaged under thirty years of age, the attendees had flocked from all parts of Antioquia for the evening’s event, with signs stating locations as far as Guatape. Communist and UP flags flew alongside one another and highlighted the leftist sentiments of Petro’s supporters, which is somewhat expected from the political melting pots of university campuses. The event was peaceful, entertaining and had a united feel amongst a crowd eager for a positive change for Colombia.
As a speaker, Petro delivered a clear image of his beliefs however, there still remain critics of this candidate and a broader element of distrust for the former M-19 guerrilla. It remains to be seen how effective the rally was in gathering votes when he spent the night preaching to the converted.