De La Espriella favourite ahead of Colombia’s presidential election

Sunday, May 24, 2026

With one week left before Colombia's presidential election, right-wing candidate Abelardo De La Espriella has nearly caught up to leftist Iván Cepeda, with a poll showing Cepeda at 38.7% and De La Espriella close behind at 37.3%. The race is tightening ahead of May 31, and the latest survey suggests De La Espriella could win a runoff against Cepeda, signaling a potential shift away from the current government's progressive policies.

With one week remaining before Colombia's presidential election on May 31, right-wing candidate Abelardo De La Espriella has closed the gap with leftist contender Iván Cepeda, according to the latest poll. An AtlasIntel survey published Saturday, the final poll before voting begins, shows Cepeda, the ruling party’s candidate, holding a narrow lead with 38.7% of voter support, followed closely by businessman De La Espriella at 37.3%.

The poll, which gathered responses from 4,531 participants between May 18 and 21, indicates a notable late surge for De La Espriella, who gained four percentage points since the previous AtlasIntel poll. Meanwhile, Cepeda’s support increased by just one percentage point in the same period. A third candidate, Paloma Valencia of the right-wing Centro Democrático Party, trailed with 14.3% of voter intention, down slightly by just over two points.

In a potential runoff scenario, the poll suggests De La Espriella would defeat Cepeda, capturing 50% of the vote compared to Cepeda’s 41.3%. Interestingly, Valencia is also projected to outperform Cepeda in a head-to-head runoff, receiving 44.6% to his 41.5%.

Cepeda, aligned with Colombia’s current administration, has committed to extending the policies of President Gustavo Petro, the country’s first leftist leader. His campaign underscores advancing social reforms aimed at reducing inequality and continuing peace negotiations with illegal armed groups. Petro’s tenure has marked a shift toward progressive governance and efforts to address longstanding social divisions.

Conversely, De La Espriella has promised a decisive break from the current direction, advocating for an end to peace talks and a firm approach against crime and drug trafficking. His platform emphasizes stimulating private investment, supporting entrepreneurs, and developing the mining and energy sectors to foster economic growth.

Valencia’s proposals align with tough security measures, including expanding the armed forces and national police and launching offensives against criminal gangs and guerrillas. She also calls for policies to bolster business activity through tax cuts.

The election marks a pivotal moment for Colombia, with voters weighing choices between continuing the left-wing reforms initiated under Petro’s administration or shifting toward more conservative policies focused on security and economic liberalization.