High-stakes Colombia vote sees Trump-backed hardliner face leftist senator
Summary
Colombians are voting for a new president between Abelardo de la Espriella, a hard-right lawyer supported by President Trump, and Ivan Cepeda, a leftist senator. The election will affect Colombia’s peace process with armed groups and its relationship with the United States.Key Facts
- The vote will be held on June 21, 2026, with up to 41 million Colombians eligible to vote.
- Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round and supports strong military action against drug-producing guerrilla groups.
- De la Espriella wants US support for airstrikes against armed groups linked to cocaine production.
- Ivan Cepeda supports peace talks and negotiating with armed groups to achieve "total peace."
- De la Espriella is a dual US-Colombian citizen and has the backing of President Donald Trump.
- The current president, Gustavo Petro, a leftist, cannot run again and critics say his government allowed armed groups to expand.
- The campaign has seen violence, including bomb attacks and the killing of a conservative candidate.
- The election is part of a larger regional pattern where several Latin American countries have recently elected right-wing leaders.
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