Colombians went to the polls on Sunday to decide the country's next president in a runoff election that highlights a stark choice between continuing a leftist agenda or shifting toward a conservative, security-focused approach. The contest pits left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda against right-wing political newcomer Abelardo De La Espriella.
The runoff follows a fragmented first round in May, which saw no candidate secure an outright majority. Cepeda, 63, seeks to extend the policies of current President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first leftist leader. Petro's administration has prioritized expanding social welfare programs, including state pension payments for the poor and labor reforms supported by unions. Additionally, the government has pursued peace negotiations with armed groups that have long challenged the state and placed a moratorium on new oil projects.
In contrast, 47-year-old De La Espriella, a lawyer and businessman with no prior political office, is campaigning on a platform promising a firm stance on crime. He advocates ending peace talks with illegal armed groups, launching a broad military offensive against them, and expanding Colombia’s oil and gas sector. De La Espriella blames Petro’s government for the country’s economic difficulties and rising insecurity. He has proposed reducing the size of the state by up to 40% and lowering taxes, though he supports maintaining Petro’s recent 23% increase to the minimum wage and other popular social measures.
The election takes place amid widespread concerns over escalating violence and economic instability. Despite Petro’s peace efforts, armed factions and drug trafficking organizations have expanded their influence, particularly along the Caribbean coast, leading to increased murders and extortion. De La Espriella has accused Petro and Cepeda—whose father was a murdered communist leader—of aligning with criminals, allegations both men deny. Cepeda, in turn, has criticized De La Espriella for representing individuals linked to right-wing paramilitary groups and corruption in his legal practice, including Alex Saab, who faces charges in the United States related to money laundering for Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. De La Espriella rejects any notion of wrongdoing associated with his clients.
The runoff comes against a backdrop of a regional political shift toward right-wing governments in Latin America. Recent elections in Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Bolivia have favored conservative or center-right leaders. In neighboring Peru, conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori is currently leading in a closely contested vote. The political changes in the region have often been driven by public frustration over crime and economic challenges.
The United States has intensified its engagement in the region, with former President Donald Trump openly supporting De La Espriella. Trump endorsed the candidate earlier this month, describing the election outcome as crucial to Colombia’s future and its bilateral relations. U.S. policy in the area has included increased military cooperation aimed at combating drug trafficking and efforts to destabilize the Maduro government in Venezuela.
With over 41 million Colombians eligible to vote, both candidates are working to mobilize those who abstained in the first round. Polls suggest a tight contest, though De La Espriella holds a slight advantage following his first-round lead of 43%. The next president will face the challenge of addressing a heavily indebted economy and working with a fragmented Congress that may impede significant reforms.