Five million Colombians back Uribe

Supporters of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe delivered more than five million signatures, hauled in three trucks, to election authorities yesterday calling for a referendum on whether he should be allowed to run for a third consecutive term.

Uribe has not said if he will seek a third term, but his approval ratings have soared to more than 80 per cent since the military rescue of Ingrid Betancourt and three US contractors from leftist guerrillas.

The 56-year-old leader's surge in popularity has fuelled hopes by his backers that he will seek to return to office.