Colombia’s runoff election expected to trigger shift in decades-long armed conflict
Summary
Colombia is holding a presidential runoff election amid rising violence, the worst since the 2016 peace deal with the rebel group Farc. The main candidates are Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right businessman wanting a tough military response to crime, and Iván Cepeda, a left-wing senator supporting continued peace efforts with adjustments.Key Facts
- The election involves over 41 million eligible voters in Colombia.
- Abelardo de la Espriella admires President Trump and opposes the current government’s peace plan.
- Iván Cepeda is President Gustavo Petro’s chosen successor and supports modifying the peace process.
- De la Espriella promises to regain control over territories controlled by armed groups quickly and to target major crime leaders aggressively.
- Violence in Colombia has increased, reaching the highest levels since the 2016 peace agreement.
- De la Espriella presents himself as an outsider offering fast solutions to violence.
- Cepeda’s supporter, Petro, achieved lower poverty rates and expanded social programs during his presidency.
- The election is part of a broader trend of far-right candidates gaining support in Latin America.
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