Colombia votes in runoff between leftist Cepeda and right-wing de la Espriella amid surge in violence
Some 41 million voters will decide whether to continue Gustavo Petro's social reforms or embrace a hardline security agenda.
First round shock
The 31 May first round delivered a surprise: right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella led with 43.7% of the vote against leftist senator Ivan Cepeda's 40.9%, despite Cepeda entering the race as the favourite. De la Espriella, a political outsider who defended paramilitaries and drug traffickers, campaigned on a nationalist security platform, while Cepeda ran on continuity with President Gustavo Petro's progressive agenda.
- Abelardo de la Espriella
- 43.7 %
- Ivan Cepeda
- 40.9 %
Security crisis and campaign violence
Colombia's worst wave of violence in a decade dominated the race. The campaign was marred by bombings, explosive drone attacks, and the assassination of a presidential candidate in Bogotá. The illegal armed groups fighting over drug trafficking routes have expanded, with Colombia producing over 50% of the world's cocaine. De la Espriella promises a war against remaining guerrilla groups and the bombing of drug camps; Cepeda defends Petro's peace talks.
Petro's mixed legacy
The election is widely seen as a referendum on Petro, the first left-wing president in Colombian history. His government reduced poverty, raised the minimum wage by 75%, and cut unemployment, but the security situation deteriorated significantly.
The results are somewhat mixed. Petro has made progress in poverty reduction, land restitution and improving social inclusion, but the 'total peace' strategy has not significantly reduced violence against civilians.
Petro came in with a very progressive, socially transformative agenda, but he delivered very little. There is anger and disappointment even among supporters.
International stakes and regional shift
US President Donald Trump has openly endorsed de la Espriella, calling his victory important for bilateral relations. A win for the right-wing candidate would deepen a regional turn to the right seen in Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador. For Washington, the election is also about counternarcotics cooperation.
What's at stake on Sunday
Turnout from the 41 million-strong electorate will decide whether Colombia doubles down on social reforms and peace dialogues or pivots to heavy-handed security and free-market policies. Polls suggest a tight race.
