Colombians head to the polls to choose President Gustavo Petro’s successor
Summary
Colombians are voting in the first round of a presidential election to choose the successor of President Gustavo Petro. The main candidates include Senator Ivan Cepeda, businessman Abelardo de la Espriella, and Senator Paloma Valencia, with Cepeda currently leading in polls.Key Facts
- The election could end on Sunday if a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote; otherwise, a runoff will be held on June 21.
- Ivan Cepeda, a left-wing senator allied with President Petro, aims to continue social reforms and is currently leading.
- Abelardo de la Espriella, an independent businessman, promises tougher security measures against crime and armed groups.
- Paloma Valencia, supported by former President Álvaro Uribe, is the main right-wing candidate and could become Colombia’s first female president.
- A total of 14 candidates are running in the election.
- Security concerns are high due to past violence, including the assassination of a presidential candidate in 2023.
- Colombia faces ongoing conflict involving criminal groups, paramilitaries, rebels, and government forces.
- Cepeda supports a peace plan prioritizing dialogue with armed groups, while rivals favor a stronger military approach to restore security.
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