Voting Underway in Colombia's Presidential Run-Off
Colombian citizens are exercising their democratic right to elect their next leader in a high-stakes run-off election. Contesting this election are a left-leaning candidate, seen as a continuation of the country's progressive leadership, and a far-right newcomer, promising a tough stance on crime.
With over 41 million eligible voters, the decision sits between lawmaker Ivan Cepeda and criminal defence attorney Abelardo de la Espriella. These two emerged as the top contenders from an initial pool of 11 candidates.
The Political Landscape
Both Cepeda and de la Espriella are centering their campaigns on the promise to prevent the resurgence of the rampant violence – such as car bombings, kidnappings, and disappearances – that plagued Colombia in the past. However, their proposed methods are on entirely different ends of the political spectrum.
Known by his nickname “The Tiger”, Espriella advocates for a stringent approach that has even gained the approval of the United States President. The political rookie is pledging a ruthless crackdown on criminals, including the construction of 10 large-scale prisons. This policy mirrors those of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, which have led to reduced homicide rates but also accusations of human rights infringements.
On the other hand, Cepeda intends to carry on President Gustavo Petro’s efforts, that include establishing dialogue with multiple armed factions, despite their limited success so far.
It's worth noting that Petro’s highly criticized strategy, which began in 2022, only saw its first success recently. An armed group of about 100 members agreed to disarm and start a process of resettlement leading to their reintegration into civilian life.
The Candidates’ Views on Other Key Issues
Beyond the pressing issue of violence, the two leaders also propose different solutions to Colombia's struggling healthcare system, soaring public debt, and deep-seated corruption.
A local lawyer from Bogota, John Manrique, expressed his concerns about the country's current situation. "The existing divide between the two extreme sides and the resulting violence deeply worries me," he said. "My hope is for the populace to accept the election's outcome, no matter what, and strive for social consensus instead of resorting to conflict."
In the initial round, Cepeda secured 41 percent of the vote, while de la Espriella won 44 percent, per the official results. Despite Cepeda consistently leading in pre-vote polls, the final results saw him trailing behind de la Espriella.
Decade after the Historic Peace Deal
This election comes a decade after the historic peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. The peace pact was supposed to end the relentless cycle of conflict between armed groups and the government.
However, violence has resurged, primarily because most rebel groups have abandoned their ideological struggle in favor of the financial gains from drug trafficking. Last year, the country recorded 14,780 homicides, the highest since 2015. The victims included conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe.
Extortion cases have also spiked, reaching 13,417 in 2025, more than double the total in 2015.
Colombian citizens are exercising their democratic right to elect their next leader in a high-stakes run-off election. Contesting this election are a left-leaning candidate, seen as a continuation of the country's progressive leadership, and a far-right newcomer, promising a tough stance on crime.
With over 41 million eligible voters, the decision sits between lawmaker Ivan Cepeda and criminal defence attorney Abelardo de la Espriella. These two emerged as the top contenders from an initial pool of 11 candidates.
The Political Landscape
Both Cepeda and de la Espriella are centering their campaigns on the promise to prevent the resurgence of the rampant violence – such as car bombings, kidnappings, and disappearances – that plagued Colombia in the past. However, their proposed methods are on entirely different ends of the political spectrum.
Known by his nickname “The Tiger”, Espriella advocates for a stringent approach that has even gained the approval of the United States President. The political rookie is pledging a ruthless crackdown on criminals, including the construction of 10 large-scale prisons. This policy mirrors those of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, which have led to reduced homicide rates but also accusations of human rights infringements.
On the other hand, Cepeda intends to carry on President Gustavo Petro’s efforts, that include establishing dialogue with multiple armed factions, despite their limited success so far.
It's worth noting that Petro’s highly criticized strategy, which began in 2022, only saw its first success recently. An armed group of about 100 members agreed to disarm and start a process of resettlement leading to their reintegration into civilian life.
The Candidates’ Views on Other Key Issues
Beyond the pressing issue of violence, the two leaders also propose different solutions to Colombia's struggling healthcare system, soaring public debt, and deep-seated corruption.
A local lawyer from Bogota, John Manrique, expressed his concerns about the country's current situation. "The existing divide between the two extreme sides and the resulting violence deeply worries me," he said. "My hope is for the populace to accept the election's outcome, no matter what, and strive for social consensus instead of resorting to conflict."
In the initial round, Cepeda secured 41 percent of the vote, while de la Espriella won 44 percent, per the official results. Despite Cepeda consistently leading in pre-vote polls, the final results saw him trailing behind de la Espriella.
Decade after the Historic Peace Deal
This election comes a decade after the historic peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. The peace pact was supposed to end the relentless cycle of conflict between armed groups and the government.
However, violence has resurged, primarily because most rebel groups have abandoned their ideological struggle in favor of the financial gains from drug trafficking. Last year, the country recorded 14,780 homicides, the highest since 2015. The victims included conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe.
Extortion cases have also spiked, reaching 13,417 in 2025, more than double the total in 2015.