Colombia holds presidential runoff between Cepeda and de la Espriella

Key Points:

• Colombians voted in a deeply polarized presidential runoff between conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda, both promising to address the country's ongoing violence and internal conflict.
• De la Espriella, endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, advocates a tough security approach including building mega-prisons, while Cepeda aims to continue outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s peace dialogue efforts with illegal armed groups.
• The election occurs amid rising violence, with 14,780 homicides recorded last year and a resurgence of criminal armed groups despite a 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas.
• Petro has cast doubt on the election results without evidence, alleging foreign interference and fraud, while the campaign has been marked by mutual accusations including Cepeda’s claims of de la Espriella’s alleged paramilitary ties.
• Voter sentiment reflects frustration with persistent violence and economic hardship, with some voters switching support from Petro’s movement to de la Espriella seeking change through stricter security measures.