MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Colombia’s Santos consolidates a clear majority for the June 20 run-off

All forecasts indicate Juan Manuel Santos will be Colombia’s next president

Colombian presidential candidate Juan Manuel Santos continues to collect support for the coming run-off next June 20, following the decision of another political party to back him.

Santos steamrollered over ex-mayor of Bogotá Antanas Mockus in a first round vote by 25 points and is strongly favoured to win on June 20, which pits the scion of an elite family versus Mockus, an eccentric former mathematics professor.

Santos is the political heir to staunch US ally President Alvaro Uribe whose two terms as leader have been marked by a successful war against drug-peddling rebels and market-friendly policies that have seen an influx of foreign investment.

Cambio Radical, which was part of Uribe's coalition during much of his eight years in power, said in a statement that it had agreed to support Santos. Its presidential choice won third place on May 30 with 10% of the vote.

An opinion poll by the Centro Nacional de Consultoria last week said that Santos -- who heads Uribe's U Party -- had a commanding lead for the second round and was expected to win 61% against Mockus with 30%.

Most polls before the May vote had Santos and Mockus tied, but Santos won 47% of ballots versus Mockus' 22%.

Santos has also won the endorsement of the Conservative party although he may not bring all the voters from the Conservatives who are divided over their party's support for him and Uribe. A similar position was adopted by the Liberals.

The only party willing to support Mockus was the Alternative Democratic Pole but could not reach an agreement and called on its followers to vote blank.

Whoever wins the June 20 run-off is expected to adhere to Uribe's security and economic policies that have produced a boom in investment in oil and energy and a fall in guerrilla attacks.

Uribe has proved to be one of the most popular Colombian presidents in decades with a sustained support above 65% during most of his eight years in office.