BOGOTA, Colombia – Independent candidate Enrique Penalosa has been declared the winner in Bogota's mayoral race delivering a stunning defeat to Colombia's left that has governed the capital for the last 12 years.
Election authorities say Penalosa received 33 percent of the vote, besting second-place finisher Rafael Pardo, who secured 28.5 percent, and leftist candidate Clara Lopez, who finished third with 18 percent.
Penalosa is remembered fondly by Bogota's 8 million residents for implementing a mass transit system when previously served as mayor from 1998 to Jan. 1, 2001. He regained his job on the promise to restore order to the city amid growing complaints about crime and gridlock traffic.
Colombians also were electing Sunday mayors and governors across the country.