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2w ago

Colombia Heads to June 21 Runoff Between De la Espriella and Iván Cepeda

The runoff will determine whether Colombia keeps Petro’s negotiated‑peace social program or adopts a tougher security‑first policy.

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Presidential candidate Iván Cepeda of the ruling Historic Pact coalition speaks after voting during the presidential election in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella of the political movement Defenders of the Homeland shows his ballot at a polling station during the first round of the presidential election, in Barranquilla, Colombia May 31, 2026.
Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella of the political movement Defenders of the Homeland arrives to vote at a polling station during the first round of the presidential election, in Barranquilla, Colombia May 31, 2026. REUTERS/Charlie Cordero

Overview

  • Preliminary results released after the May 31 vote show Abelardo de la Espriella leading with about 43.7% and Iván Cepeda with about 40.9%, so no candidate reached the 50% needed to win outright.
  • A June 21 runoff now pits a right‑wing outsider who ran on hardline security measures and closer security ties with the United States against the Historic Pact standard‑bearer who proposes to deepen Petro‑era social reforms and pursue negotiated peace.
  • Paloma Valencia finished a distant third with roughly 6.9% of the vote, leaving conservative and centrist voters poised to decide which runoff challenger they back.
  • Campaigning took place during a rise in political and criminal violence, with authorities reporting a generally peaceful election day but observers warning that insecurity, displacement and targeted attacks shaped voter concerns.
  • The winner will inherit a large fiscal deficit, pressure to curb cocaine production and migration, and strained diplomatic choices with Washington, so the runoff outcome could quickly shift Colombia’s security, economic and foreign‑policy priorities.