Uribe Is Reelected: What, if Anything, Will Change?
The Colombian presidential election on May 28, 2006, ushered in a new political order in Colombia. The traditional parties, Liberal and Conservative, are no longer controlling the country's political agenda, and the left, led by the Democratic Alternative Pole party, was strengthened. Alvaro Uribe's agenda has set new priorities for the next four years-paving the way for a new approach to social policy while providing continuity for the country's economy.
* Uribe initiated many improvements during his first term but now needs to demonstrate his ability to tackle lingering issues: reduce poverty, decrease unemployment, consolidate democracy, eradicate drug trafficking, and quell the armed militias.
* Colombia's economic policy, including its hydrocarbon policy, is expected to remain unchanged. Uribe will continue to support more attractive conditions for private investors and to increase exploration efforts. The next four years will be an acid test of Uribe's ability to follow through on his first-term efforts.
