In Colombia, the second round of the presidential election will determine the country's political course and international relations. The right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella received the majority of votes in the first round, but did not win an absolute majority. His rival in June will be left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, representing the Historical Pact coalition.
- Abelardo de la Espriella and Ivan Cepeda entered the second round of elections in Colombia.
- De la Espriella received 43,74% votes, while Cepeda received 40,90%.
- The second round is scheduled for 21 June 2026.
- The election will affect Colombia's future relations with the United States.
Elections in Colombia, results of the first round
The first round of Colombia's presidential election ended without a winner, triggering a runoff on 21 June 2026. With over 99% votes counted, the right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella scored 43,74%, and the left-wing senator Ivan Sepeda - 40,90%. Candidate from the Democratic Centre Paloma Valencia received 6,92% votes and supported de la Espriella, calling for a «new communism» to be prevented.
Political platforms of the candidates
Abelardo de la Espriella, 47, is a political outsider and lawyer who positions himself as a conservative nationalist. He proposes a tougher approach to security, deeper cooperation with the US and Israel, economic liberalisation and expansion of oil production. De la Espriella promises to reverse the policies of the current administration.
Ivan Cepeda, 63, is a veteran left-wing politician and human rights activist who advocates for the continuation of Gustavo Petrov's reforms, including the strategy of «total peace» and social inclusion. His campaign is based on the ideas of a democratic revolution and agrarian reform.
The significance of the election for Colombia and the world
Elections reflect social divisions around politics Peter, who cannot run for a second term. Security remains an important issue due to increase in crime and the activity of armed groups. The second round will be a referendum on the country's course - between a conservative-nationalist approach and left-wing reforms.
Impact on relations with the United States
Colombia's relationship with the United States is key to the country's security and economy. During Petro's presidency, relations with Washington were tense, but in recent months there has been a rapprochement, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking. The candidates offer different approaches: Cepeda supports a more independent foreign policy and the integration of Latin America, while de la Espriella favours closer cooperation with the United States.
Waiting for the second round
The second round will be marked by high political polarisation. De la Espriella called on his supporters to defend democracy «by reason or force» and declared his intention to defeat «tyranny and absolutism». Mr Zepeda has positioned the election as a choice between maintaining progressive reforms and returning to old political models. The outcome of the vote will have a major impact on Colombia's domestic politics and its role in the region.
