On May 25th the first round of presidential elections surprised many observers. Center-right presidential candidate Oscar Iván Zuluaga outperformed incumbent President Juan Manuel Santos in the polls by 3.6  percent, leading to a runoff election on Sunday, June 15. President Santos staked his presidency – and, consequently, his campaign – on advancing peace talks with the FARC rebels. With the support of former President Álvaro Uribe, Zuluaga has been critical of these efforts.

Join us for a lunch discussion on the Colombian presidential elections with expert analysis from Miguel Silva, international political consultant and former chief of staff to President César Gaviria, and Peter Schechter, director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and former political strategist. Before Sunday’s crucial vote, this briefing will address important questions about each candidate’s vision for the future of Colombia and what the election will mean for one of the region’s fastest growing nations.

Opening remarks
Michael Shifter
President,
The Inter-American Dialogue

A discussion with
Miguel Silva
Political Strategist, Columnist, and Former Chief of Staff to President César  Gaviria

Peter Schechter
Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center,
Atlantic Council

Moderated by
Jason Marczak
Deputy Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center,
Atlantic Council

Pre-registration is required to attend. Please email Rachel DeLevie-Orey at rdelevieorey@atlanticcouncil.org to RSVP.

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About the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center
The Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center is dedicated to broadening awareness of the transformational political, economic, and social changes throughout Latin America. It is focused on bringing in new political, corporate, civil society, and academic leaders to change the fundamental nature of discussions on Latin America and to develop new ideas and innovative policy recommendations that highlight the region's potential as a strategic and economic partner for Europe, the United States, and beyond.
Join our mailing list: aalac@atlanticcouncil.org
Follow us: @ACLatAm
For press inquiries, contact press@atlanticouncil.org.

Friday, June 13, 2014 
Registration: 12:15 p.m.
Discussion: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Lunch will be served.
Atlantic Council
1030 15th Street NW
12th floor
Washington, DC 20005