Categories: Americas NewsEconomy & Politics

Colombia elections 2014: Juan Manuel Santos wins new four-year term

Juan Manuel Santos has been re-elected as Colombia's president in the most dramatic presidential contest in years

Juan Manuel Santos has been re-elected as Colombia’s president in the most dramatic presidential contest in years.

Juan Manuel Santos won 51% of votes and saw off his right-wing challenger Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, who had 45%.

Juan Manuel Santos has been re-elected as Colombia’s president in the most dramatic presidential contest in years (photo Reuters)

Correspondents say the victory will be seen as an endorsement of the president’s ongoing peace talks with the leftist FARC rebel group.

Oscar Ivan Zuluaga had said he would halt the talks unless the rebels ceased all hostilities.

Juan Manuel Santos launched peace talks with the FARC in November 2012.

The negotiations, which are being held in Cuba, are aimed at ending five decades of conflict.

He expects a deal to be signed by the end of the year, with the FARC giving up their armed struggle and joining the legal political process.

Juan Manuel Santos, 62, will be inaugurated in August for a new four-year term.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.