The political situation in Colombia

National team jersey at the center of Colombia's presidential election

The Colombian national team jersey has taken center stage in the country's presidential election, reports AP.

The bright yellow jersey with the red football federation emblem on the chest is a symbol of pride and unity and is often seen at holidays, national day celebrations and, of course, football matches.

But recently it has also become a recurring feature at presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella's rallies, where both he himself and many of his supporters wear the jersey.

Iván Cepeda, a candidate for the ruling party and an ally of President Gustavo Petro, accused Espriella this week of hijacking a national symbol and called him an "opportunist."

"The national team belongs to all of us. Stop stealing what belongs to the entire nation," Cepeda wrote on social media.

Espriella's team responded by urging supporters to wear the national team jersey as often as possible as a protest against Cepeda and the Petro government.

Expert: Attempts to stop the jersey could backfire

The fact that the Colombian national team jersey has become a recurring feature at Abelardo de la Espriella's rallies, and that he himself often wears it, is likely to benefit his campaign, political consultant Carlos Andrés Arias told the AP in Bogotá.

He draws parallels with Brazil, where the national team jersey became a symbol for supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

At the same time, Iván Cepeda's attempt to stop Espriella from using the jersey in the election campaign could backfire. Cepeda, who represents the ruling party, has accused Espriella of hijacking a national symbol.

“People will now think that the safest way to support de la Espriella is to wear the national team jersey,” Arias said.