Colombians vote in consequential presidential runoff: "Two very extreme sides"

Key Points:

• Colombia's presidential runoff on Sunday features a stark choice between Iván Cepeda, a far-left senator aligned with President Gustavo Petro's policies, and Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right lawyer endorsed by former President Trump, highlighting deep political polarization in the country.
• Both candidates emphasize preventing a return to Colombia's past violence, with de la Espriella advocating a tough crackdown on crime inspired by El Salvador's policies, while Cepeda supports continuing Petro's peace efforts through dialogue with illegal armed groups.
• The election occurs amid rising violence and crime, including a record number of homicides and extortions, and follows a fragile peace agreement with FARC guerrillas signed a decade ago that has failed to end conflict with other armed groups.
• The campaign has been marred by mutual accusations of fraud, vote-buying, and ties to paramilitary groups, with Cepeda filing formal complaints against de la Espriella, intensifying tensions ahead of the vote.
• Voters face a critical decision impacting Colombia's future direction on security, corruption, public health, and relations with the United States, amid fears that political violence could escalate depending on the election outcome.