Colombia is heading into a decisive presidential runoff after right-wing candidate Abelardo De La Espriella shocked the political establishment by finishing first in the opening round of voting.
De La Espriella, a lawyer and political outsider running on a tough anti-crime platform, won nearly 44 percent of the vote. He will face left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, an ally of President Gustavo Petro, who finished just under 41 percent.
The runoff is scheduled for June 21 and is shaping up as a clear choice between two very different visions for Colombia. De La Espriella is campaigning on restoring order, cracking down on armed groups and rejecting Petro’s negotiation-based approach with criminal and terror-linked organizations. Cepeda is running as the candidate of continuity, defending Petro’s social agenda and peace strategy.
The result reflects growing frustration among many Colombians over insecurity, violence and the failures of the current government’s “total peace” policy. De La Espriella has already received backing from major figures on the right, giving him a strong position ahead of the second round.