Colombia's presidential election pits leftist reforms against right-wing crackdown
Colombians vote Sunday in the first round of a presidential election, choosing among leftist Iván Cepeda, independent Abelardo De La Espriella, and right-wing senator Paloma Valencia. Cepeda, leading polls but likely short of a majority, promises peace talks with armed groups and deeper social reforms. De La Espriella, a lawyer and businessman, proposes a security crackdown and megaprisons, drawing comparisons to El Salvador's Bukele. Valencia, backed by former President Uribe, advocates tax breaks and renewed oil exploration. Over 40 million Colombians are eligible; results expected around 8 pm local time.
Key facts
- First round of Colombian presidential election held Sunday
- Leftist Iván Cepeda leads polls but likely faces June run-off
- Cepeda promises peace negotiations with illegal armed groups
- Cepeda plans tax hikes on high earners, land grants, expanded healthcare
- Abelardo De La Espriella proposes security crackdown and 10 megaprisons
- De La Espriella has never held elected office, compared to Bukele
- Paloma Valencia is backed by former President Álvaro Uribe
- Valencia supports tax breaks for companies and renewed oil exploration
Entities
Locations
- Colombia
- Barranquilla
- El Salvador