On Sunday, Colombians will head to the polls in an election seen as a significant test for the Latin American left. Recent trends suggest a growing influence of right-wing leaders in the region, with support from figures like President Trump.
Polls indicate a stark choice for voters between left and far-right candidates. Iván Cepeda, a leftist senator, leads one side of the race. Cepeda is aligned with Gustavo Petro, the current president known for his contentious relationship with Trump. Cepeda’s victory would keep Colombia in the group of major Latin American countries governed by the left, similar to Mexico and Brazil, which also face important elections this year.
On the opposite side is Abelardo De La Espriella, a far-right contender and lawyer without previous elected experience. De La Espriella’s strict law-and-order approach, along with his sharp rhetoric and plans to build 10 mega-prisons, have earned him comparisons to Nayib Bukele, the controversial leader of El Salvador and ally of Trump.
Another key figure in the race is Paloma Valencia, a conservative senator. Though she could become Colombia’s first female president, Valencia appears to have lost momentum to De La Espriella. Despite endorsements from influential figures like former president Álvaro Uribe, her support has waned in recent weeks.
This election comes at a time of broad political shifts across Latin America, influenced by domestic concerns and international figures. The outcome may significantly impact the direction of not only Colombia but the broader region’s political landscape.
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