Bogota, Colombia — Colombia’s voters are set to decide their next president in a runoff election featuring starkly opposing views. Businessman Abelardo de la Espriella and incumbent movement’s heir Iván Cepeda are vying for leadership amidst fears of internal conflict resurgence.
De la Espriella, a conservative outsider, proposes a firm stance on crime, while Cepeda, a lawmaker, pledges continuity in dialogue with illegal armed groups. This approach follows President Gustavo Petro’s similar, albeit largely unsuccessful, strategies.
Both candidates press practical agendas addressing healthcare, rising public debt and entrenched corruption. De la Espriella’s endorsement by U.S. President Donald Trump highlights his heavy-handed approach.
The election occurs 10 years after a peace pact with FARC rebels envisioned an end to continuous violence. Violence has resurged due to rebel groups shifting towards drug trafficking for financial gain.
Official data revealed 14,780 homicides last year, the highest since 2015. Among victims was conservative presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe. Extortions soared, with 13,417 cases in 2025.
More than 41 million voters will partake in the decision on Sunday. Cepeda seeks to continue Petro’s plan for “total peace,” negotiating pacts with criminal groups. Yet, only one group has disarmed so far, with over 27,000 members still active.
De la Espriella, dubbed “The Tiger,” proposes mega-prisons roll-out similar to El Salvador’s strategy, facing human rights abuse criticisms.
Retired teacher Yamile Guevara implies Petro’s policies require more time. She critiques public distrust in Colombia’s left, blaming historical associations with rebel factions.
Campaign tensions have risen with verbal confrontations, fraud claims, and allegations of vote manipulation. Cepeda accuses de la Espriella of paramilitary connections, which the latter denies.
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