Iván Cepeda’s loss to Abelardo de la Espriella in the second-round election has sparked intense criticism from key figures within the petrista left. Prominent activists and historians claim the campaign failed because Cepeda ignored the social media influencers who were vital to President Petro’s 2022 victory.
Why did the campaign struggle with digital supporters?
The campaign failed to secure a victory despite having the support of the government establishment and established regional machinery. Cepeda lost the election to De la Espriella by a margin of only one percentage point.
Influencers within the petrista movement reported feeling marginalized by the senator and his inner circle. Cepeda reportedly instructed his communications team to convey that he would not participate in social media trends, such as dancing or singing, to appeal to online audiences.
Digital activists viewed this decision as a dismissal of the very work that helped secure the 2022 presidency. That digital effort previously helped elect congressional figures including “Wally,” “Lalis,” and Hernán Muriel in Antioquia.
“Your campaign team was an absolute disaster. But, over all, not just your campaign team: you, because you have enough power to decide who works with you and who doesn’t,” said historian Iván Gallo in a video on the YouTube channel Tercer Canal. Gallo, who supported the campaign, also accused Cepeda of calling his boss at the media outlet to demand his removal over criticism of the campaign’s communication strategy.
Who are the primary critics of the Cepeda campaign?
Several prominent voices have leveled accusations against the senator’s leadership and strategy. Historian Iván Gallo accused Cepeda of attempting to intimidate critics by calling media owners to demand his removal.
Gallo stated, “The difference between Abelardo de la Espriella and you is that he files injunctions and you call owners to intimidate.” He also described Cepeda as a “Stalinist.”
Activist Daniel Mendoza, who was close to being appointed ambassador of the Petro government in Thailand, described the campaign as “null.” Mendoza also claimed that Cepeda acted in a “very prepotent” manner toward his supporters.
Additionally, Gonzalo Guillén criticized the senator for a “fastidious and suspicious moral superiority” and an inability to practice self-criticism.
What are the implications for the petrista movement?
The internal backlash highlights significant challenges for the movement’s ability to mobilize its base. The petrista movement holds nearly 13 million votes from recent regional elections.
This defeat may impact Cepeda’s ability to serve as a primary leader for the opposition. The friction between traditional political structures and digital influencers could create further instability within the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the margin of defeat in the election?
Iván Cepeda lost the second-round election to Abelardo de la Espriella by one percentage point.
Why did digital influencers feel ignored?
Influencers felt dismissed after Cepeda ordered his communications team to signal that he would not engage in social media activities like dancing or singing.
Who were the main critics of the campaign?
The campaign faced criticism from historian Iván Gallo, activist Daniel Mendoza, and Gonzalo Guillén.
How might this internal division affect the unity of the opposition moving forward?
