Supporters of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe delivered more than 5 million signatures, hauled in three trucks, to election authorities Aug. 11, calling for a referendum on whether he should be allowed to run for a third consecutive term.

Uribe hasn't said if he will seek a third term or not, but his approval ratings have soared to above 80 percent, following the military rescue of Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. contractors from leftist guerrillas. The 56-year-old leader's surge in popularity has fueled hopes by his backers that he will seek to return to office.

Colombian law dictates that 1.4 million signatures, or 5 percent of the country's 28 million registered voters, are needed to call a referendum.