Colombia’s presidential election is set for a runoff after neither of the leading candidates secured enough votes to win outright in the first round held on Sunday.
According to official results, tough-on-crime lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella finished in first place with nearly 44 per cent of the vote, while progressive senator Iván Cepeda followed closely with just under 41 per cent.
Since neither candidate crossed the 50 per cent threshold required for an outright victory, both men will face each other in a runoff election later this month.
De la Espriella, a political newcomer popularly known as “El Tigre” (The Tiger), has built his campaign around promises to tackle insecurity and organised crime. He has also portrayed himself as an admirer of Donald Trump and pledged to take a tougher stance against criminal groups.
Celebrating his first-round performance with supporters in the coastal city of Barranquilla, De la Espriella expressed confidence ahead of the second round.
“In 21 days we’re going to change the history of Colombia,” he declared.
Cepeda, an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, campaigned on continuing the government’s push for what it calls “total peace” through dialogue and negotiations with armed groups.
Meanwhile, conservative candidate Paloma Valencia secured less than seven per cent of the vote. Political analysts believe many of her supporters could back De la Espriella in the runoff, potentially strengthening his chances.
The election has highlighted deep divisions over Colombia’s future, particularly on issues of security and peace.
While Cepeda supports maintaining Petro’s efforts to negotiate with armed groups, De la Espriella has promised a more aggressive approach, including plans to build 10 large prisons and intensify crackdowns on criminal organisations, drawing comparisons with Nayib Bukele and his anti-gang policies.
For many voters, the election represents a broader debate about the direction of Latin America.
“Today’s election isn’t just important for us, it’s important for all of Latin America,” said Juan Acevedo, a sociologist who voted in the capital, Bogotá.
“Whoever wins here will suggest to the region if progressive policies will continue or if things are going to return to the right.”
The vote also served as a test of public support for Petro’s administration, nearly a decade after Colombia signed a landmark peace agreement with the guerrilla group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
Although the agreement initially raised hopes of ending decades of conflict, violence has resurfaced in several regions, with armed groups expanding their influence despite ongoing peace initiatives.
The campaign period was marked by security concerns, including drone attacks, armed violence and the killing of presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay during a political rally last year.
Despite those challenges, Petro’s allies have retained support among many Colombians who credit the administration for policies such as raising the minimum wage and expanding social programmes.
The runoff election is expected to be a closely watched contest between two sharply contrasting visions for Colombia’s future—one centred on dialogue and reform, and the other focused on law-and-order policies and tougher security measures.
