The presidential election in Colombia is about to reach its second round, with the most voted candidates being far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and government senator Iván Cepeda. With about 99% of the ballots counted, De la Espriella leads with 43% of the votes, while Cepeda obtains 40%. Colombian voters went to the polls last Sunday to choose from 13 candidates, but none of them reached the half of the votes needed to win the election in the first round. Therefore, the election will be decided in a second round on June 21.
In this polarized political context, where armed violence has increased and the debate about President Gustavo Petro’s legacy has gained prominence, the candidates’ proposals take on great importance. Senator Iván Cepeda, 64, is a left-wing politician who defends the maintenance of social policies, the deepening of peace negotiations, and a greater presence of the State in the economy and public services. On the other hand, lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, 47, represents the Defensores da Pátria movement with radical proposals on national security, such as the construction of mega-prisons and the intensification of military operations against criminal organizations.
It is important to note that De la Espriella’s candidacy has been inspired by political leaders from other countries in Latin America, such as El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and Argentina’s Javier Milei. These leaders have been criticized for security policies that prioritize repression and an increased military presence, rather than addressing the deep-seated causes of violence. On the other hand, Senator Iván Cepeda is linked to the current government of Colombia, which has sought to establish a policy of “total peace” and negotiation with armed groups, but has faced opposition and resistance.
The second round of the presidential election in Colombia promises to be an intensified debate between proposals on national security, social policies, and the presence of the State in the economy. It is possible that the candidates will have to present more detailed proposals and commitments to attract undecided voters and guarantee victory on June 21.
