Live: Colombia heads to the polls to elect President Gustavo Petro's successor
Summary
Colombians voted on May 31, 2026, to choose a new president to replace Gustavo Petro. The election featured 11 candidates, with left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda leading according to polls. No one is expected to win outright, so a second round of voting will likely happen on June 21.Key Facts
- Over 41 million Colombians, including 1.4 million living abroad, were eligible to vote.
- The main candidates are Iván Cepeda (left-wing), Abelardo de la Espriella, and Paloma Valencia (right-wing).
- Voters went to the polls between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. local time.
- To win in the first round, a candidate needs more than half of the votes; this is unlikely.
- A runoff election will probably take place on June 21 if no candidate gets a majority.
- Election day was mostly calm despite some clashes between armed groups in rural areas and some logistical delays.
- Some voters had difficulties caused by the relocation of polling stations, including access issues for elderly people.
- Official vote projections were expected to be released shortly after polls closed.
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