Colombians to vote in presidential run-off pitting leftist against hardliner
Summary
Colombians are voting in a presidential run-off between Ivan Cepeda, a left-wing candidate continuing current peace efforts, and Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing candidate promising a tough crackdown on crime. The election follows years of violence linked to armed groups and drug trafficking, and both candidates offer very different approaches to reduce crime and address other national issues.Key Facts
- The run-off vote takes place on Sunday with over 41 million eligible voters.
- Ivan Cepeda represents the left and wants to continue dialogue with armed groups for peace.
- Abelardo de la Espriella is a right-wing outsider who promises a strict anti-crime strategy, including building 10 large prisons.
- De la Espriella has received an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump.
- The first round of voting on May 31 showed de la Espriella leading with 44% and Cepeda with 41%.
- Current peace talks have had limited success, with only one armed group recently disarming.
- Violence linked to illegal armed groups and drug trafficking has increased, with a record number of homicides last year.
- Colombia’s decade-old peace deal with FARC has not ended conflict, as many groups now focus on drug trade profits.
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