'Of course he can win': leftist defies odds in Colombian presidential race

Former guerrilla group member Gustavo Petro rides wave of enthusiasm to second place in the polls, despite country's conservative tradition

Thousands of people had gathered in Bogoti's historic Plaza de Bolivar. Some waved banners, others drank beer and danced as a musician from the Caribbean coast played on stage.

Ahead of the first round of presidential elections this weekend, they were waiting to see the man they hope will defy expectations - and buck Colombia's habit of voting in candidates from the right.