(19 Mar 1998) Spanish/Nat
Colombia's President Ernesto Samper faces a tougher challenge than ever in the build up to May's presidential elections.
In an unexpected move, a new alliance has been forged between the country's Liberal and Conservative parties.
Liberal Alfonso Valdivieso has given up his race for the presidency and joined forces with Conservative Andres Pastrana.
The partnership also threatens the chances of the other front runner in the election race, independent liberal candidate Horacio Serpa.
On Monday, the Liberals' presidential candidate, former chief prosecutor Alfonso Valdivieso, withdrew his bid for office and joined forces with the Conservative Andres Pastrana.
Valdivieso's alliance with Pastrana is not the creation of a new party - but the team hope their union will signal a real change for the country.
In his former role as chief prosecutor, Valdivieso started what was called "The 8,000 Process".
It was part of this judicial process which unearthed the allegations that Samper's electoral campaign had been financed with U-S six million dollars in donations from the Cali drug cartel.
Valdivieso was a firm favourite for the presidency but recent polls showed him lagging behind other presidential candidates,
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"It seems to me that it's a natural because we're interpreting a sentiment which I would say was felt by the majority and almost unanimous. Because Colombians are at the moment convinced that the country is going through a bad phase and we want to be able to guarantee a new way forward. To stand up to the ruling power is to interpret the wishes of the great majority of Colombians."
SUPER CAPTION: Alfonso Valdivieso, former presidential candidate
Valdivieso's has made a strong choice in backing Conservative, Pastrana who came a close second to President Samper in the 1994 presidential elections.
Pastrana remains Samper's leading rival Conservative Party candidate.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I think this decision has been very clear, he pulled out of 'la terceria' (alliance) because it's a non-inclusive formula, as he had said, and he did not agree with it. He wanted a broad formula but the non-inclusive formula succeeded. And now he makes a formula with Andres Pastrana - this great alliance - which is different, a formula that is looking to consolidate success in the first round."
SUPER CAPTION: Andres Pastrana, presidential candidate
And with Valdivieso bringing with him a large portion of the liberal vote their union creates a formidable challenge in the race for the presidency.
One man who is particularly concerned by the alliance is Horacio Serpa who now faces stiff competition for the presidency.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"Because they want to attack my candidacy, it's an alliance that indoctrinates, it's an alliance which is clearly opportunist. The only thing they want is to make sure that Serpa doesn't become President, that's not going to happen".
SUPER CAPTION: Horacio Serpa, presidential candidate
The other Liberal presidential candidates are former armed forces chief General Harold Bedoya for and former foreign minister Noemi Sanin.
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