Six suspects, all Colombians police say belong to criminal gangs, are being held in the murder. Other candidates have reported attacks against them, though in several cases police have said that violence was not directed at the hopefuls themselves. Luisa Gonzalez, a protegee of Correa, led polling before Villavicencio’s murder with about 30% of voting intention. Pro-market candidate Otto Sonnenholzner has hardened his discourse since Villavicencio’s murder, repeatedly promising that criminals who use violence will be shot by police under his government. ADVERTISEMENT“The new president must propose things that are real, not just words,” said university student Menaly Luge, 18, who is voting for Villavicencio’s Construye party.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 20, 2023 19:19 UTC