Colombian centrist must push social policies to win over polarized nation in vote -analysts

Colombian presidential pre candidate Sergio Fajardo, speaks during a Reuters interview in Bogota, Colombia March 8, 2022. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Mathematician Sergio Fajardo, chosen to represent Colombia's center-left coalition at presidential elections in May, will need to present concrete policies against poverty and graft to defeat foes in a bitterly polarized nation, analysts said.

The success of Fajardo, who won the "Center Hope" coalition nomination on Sunday with 33.5% of votes, will also hinge on his ability to edge out remaining centrist rivals - divisions which cost him the chance to reach the second round of the 2018 presidential contest.