Colombia votes in presidential election that could redefine relations with US
Summary
Colombia is holding a presidential election that could change its relationship with the United States. The main candidates are Iván Cepeda, who supports continuing the current left-wing policies, and center-right candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia, who want closer ties with the US and a stronger military response to drug trafficking.Key Facts
- Colombia's current president, Gustavo Petro, cannot run again and supports Iván Cepeda.
- The election is expected to have no clear winner, leading to a run-off on June 21.
- Cepeda wants to continue the "total peace" policy aiming to negotiate with armed groups involved in drug trafficking.
- De la Espriella and Valencia promise a tough military approach to combatting drug gangs.
- There has been rising violence during the campaign, including the shooting death of a candidate last summer.
- Colombia and the US have had tensions over drug policy and military intervention, but held a friendly meeting in February 2024.
- Cocaine production in Colombia has reached record highs despite government efforts to reduce it.
- De la Espriella and Valencia want to restore Colombia’s strong security partnership with the US, while Cepeda opposes being overly dependent on the US.
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