Colombian voters are heading to the polls this Sunday in a high-stakes presidential runoff between leftist lawmaker Ivan Cepeda and conservative attorney Abelardo de la Espriella. The election, which follows a May 31 first-round vote, forces a choice between two starkly different visions for the country’s security, economic policy, and future stability as the nation grapples with rising criminal violence.
How do the candidates plan to address national security?
The candidates offer competing solutions to the violence that has persisted a decade after the peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). According to campaign statements, Abelardo de la Espriella, nicknamed “The Tiger,” advocates for a hardline security strategy. He has pledged to construct 10 mega-prisons and adopt a model similar to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, a move that has garnered an endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Conversely, Ivan Cepeda proposes continuing the current administration’s policy of negotiating with armed groups. While President Gustavo Petro’s government saw one small group of 100 members agree to lay down arms as of late May, critics argue the strategy has failed to curb widespread insecurity.
The number of recorded homicides in Colombia reached 14,780 in 2024, marking the highest annual figure since at least 2015, according to official data. Extortion cases have also more than doubled over the last decade, rising from 2015 levels to over 13,400 in 2025.
What are the primary economic and social concerns for voters?
Beyond security, voters are focused on the country’s struggling health system and increasing public debt. Public sentiment reflects a deep anxiety regarding political polarization. John Manrique, a lawyer based in Bogota, expressed concern over the “extreme sides” of the current political landscape and the potential for civil unrest. Many citizens, including 59-year-old voter Alex Vizcaino in Barranquilla, have described a sense of “fear” surrounding this election cycle, noting that the intensity of political fanaticism is higher than in previous years.
How did the candidates reach the runoff?
In the first round held on May 31, Abelardo de la Espriella secured 44 percent of the vote, outpacing Ivan Cepeda, who received 41 percent. The results were unexpected, as Cepeda had consistently led in pre-election polling. Following the results, President Petro publicly questioned the integrity of the count, though he provided no evidence to support claims of electoral interference. The campaign period has been marked by significant hostility, including a formal complaint filed by Cepeda with the Colombian Attorney General’s Office and the International Criminal Court, in which he accused de la Espriella of maintaining ties to paramilitary groups—an allegation de la Espriella has formally denied.
Pro Tip: Tracking Election Integrity
For the most reliable updates on the runoff, monitor reports from the Colombian Attorney General’s Office and international observers. Be wary of unverified claims regarding vote counts, as these often circulate on social media during periods of high polarization.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the main candidates in the Colombian presidential runoff?
The runoff features leftist lawmaker Ivan Cepeda and conservative criminal defense lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella. - What is the main difference between their security policies?
De la Espriella favors a hardline, prison-focused approach similar to El Salvador’s model, while Cepeda supports continuing government-led peace dialogues with armed groups. - Why is this election considered volatile?
Voters and observers point to extreme political polarization, a rise in extortion and homicide rates, and ongoing verbal conflicts between the two candidates as sources of national tension.
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