Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe, was at Harvard University where he spoke to a packed audience and responded to pointed questions on the possibility he will seek a third term in office.
Uribe was elected president in 2002 and retains an approval rating of nearly 70 per cent due to the improvement in national security under his administration.
He detailed the many ways his country has advanced in the past seven years, and he also laid out his vision for a stable and united Colombia. "Colombia has seen many administrations that have not seen a single day of peace," Uribe said.
His plan to seek a third term in office by amending the Colombian Constitution took center stage when he began fielding questions from the audience. Were Uribe to succeed, it would mark the second time he has passed an amendment in order to remain in power.
"The referendum that is pending to allow yourself to serve a third term could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders," Jake Sloane, a 200-Level student, told the President.
Juan Felipe Botero, a Law student, asked: "What will be your advice to the person who shall replace you as President in less than a year’s time?" The question, which implicitly demanded Uribe step aside for the next election, was cheered by the audience.
Uribe responded to both questions by pointing to political and economic gains made by his administration and stressing that the separation of powers in Colombia would prevent the unfair perpetuation of power.
Alex W. Palmer, another 200-Level student and member of the IOP forum committee, said he enjoyed the event despite Uribe’s somewhat evasive responses.