Colombia's 2026 Presidential Election: Cepeda Leads Amid Right-Wing Split
Colombia’s May 31, 2026 presidential election features a tight three-way race between leftist Iván Cepeda (Historic Pact), anti-establishment right-winger Abelardo de la Espriella, and conservative Paloma Valencia. Cepeda leads first-round polls but lacks a majority, likely forcing a June 21 runoff. The fragmented right-wing vote and deteriorating security—marked by FARC dissident attacks and suspended peace talks—define the contest. The outcome will determine whether outgoing President Petro’s reforms continue or shift toward law-and-order policies, impacting US relations and domestic confidence.
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MAGA Unites Behind Far-Right Colombian Presidential Candidate Abelardo De La Espriella
Colombia is heading to a June 21 runoff election after far-right candidate Abelardo De La Espriella won 44% of the first-round vote, defeating left-wing Pacto Historico candidate Iván Cepeda (41%) and institutional right candidate Paloma Valencia (7%). Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a full endorsement of De La Espriella, who has a history of controversial statements including admitting to blowing up cats as a child. Trump's endorsement was influenced by Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, a Colombian-born Republican who has pushed for sanctions on current Colombian President Gustavo Petro and served as an election observer. The article frames this as part of a broader Republican pattern of supporting far-right strongmen in Latin America, including Javier Milei, Nayib Bukele, and Daniel Noboa.
The New RepublicMAGA Unites Behind Far-Right Colombian Presidential Candidate Abelardo De La Espriella
Colombia is heading to a June 21 runoff election after far-right candidate Abelardo De La Espriella won 44% of the first-round vote, defeating left-wing Pacto Historico candidate Iván Cepeda (41%) and institutional right candidate Paloma Valencia (7%). Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a full endorsement of De La Espriella, who has made controversial statements including admitting to blowing up cats as a child. Trump's endorsement was influenced by Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, a Colombian-born former car dealer who has actively intervened in Colombian politics, including pushing for U.S. sanctions on current left-wing President Gustavo Petro. Moreno served as an accredited election observer and vetted De La Espriella, calling him 'impeccable.' The article frames this as part of a broader Republican pattern of supporting far-right strongmen in Latin America, including Argentina's Javier Milei, Chile's José Antonio Kast, El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, and Ecuador's Daniel Noboa.
The New RepublicColombia's Far-Right Candidate De La Espriella Gets Trump Endorsement Ahead of Runoff
Colombia is heading to a June 21 presidential runoff between far-right candidate Abelardo De La Espriella, who won 44% in the first round, and left-wing Pacto Historico candidate Iván Cepeda, who received 41%. Institutional right candidate Paloma Valencia got only 7%. Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a public endorsement of De La Espriella, calling him a 'tremendous' figure. The endorsement was influenced by Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, a Colombian-born Trump ally who has pushed for sanctions on current leftist President Gustavo Petro. Moreno served as an election observer and vetted De La Espriella, calling him 'impeccable.' De La Espriella is described as a showy, populist outsider with a history of controversial statements, including admitting to animal cruelty as a child. The article frames this as part of a broader Republican pattern of supporting far-right strongmen in Latin America.
The New RepublicExperts react: Colombia’s presidential runoff pits the far right against the far left. What’s next?
Colombia's presidential election has advanced to a June 21 runoff between far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and far-left contender Iván Cepeda, following a first round marked by polarization and violence. De la Espriella, known as 'El Tigre,' secured 43.7% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Cepeda's 40.9%. The election occurred amid continued violence—including the assassination of a leading candidate in 2025—and economic upheaval under outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro. Third-place finisher Paloma Valencia has endorsed de la Espriella, potentially giving him over 50% support. Experts from the Atlantic Council analyze the implications: the acceleration of Latin America's rightward shift, the role of security concerns, the displacement of centrist politics, and the importance of US-Colombia ties. De la Espriella's hardline security message and business background have resonated with voters seeking change, while Cepeda offers continuity with Petro's policies of inclusion and peace.
Atlantic CouncilExperts react: Colombia’s presidential runoff pits the far right against the far left. What’s next?
Colombia's presidential election has advanced to a June 21 runoff between far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and far-left contender Iván Cepeda, following a first round on June 1, 2026, where de la Espriella led with 43.7% of the vote against Cepeda's 40.9%. The election occurs amid ongoing violence—including the 2025 assassination of candidate Miguel Uribe—and economic challenges under outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro. Third-place finisher Paloma Valencia has endorsed de la Espriella, potentially giving him over 50% support. Experts from the Atlantic Council analyze the polarization, the displacement of centrist politics, the role of security concerns, and implications for US-Colombia relations. De la Espriella, a businessman with ties to Miami, campaigns on law and order, while Cepeda offers continuity with Petro's policies of inclusion and peace. The runoff is expected to be fiercely contested, with security as a central issue.
Atlantic CouncilColombia Presidential Election: Ultra-Right Outsider Leads Left-Wing Candidate into Runoff
Colombia's presidential election heads to a runoff on June 21 after a surprising first round on May 31. Ultra-right newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella of the Defensores de la Patria movement won 43.74% of the vote, defeating left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda of the ruling Pacto Histórico coalition, who received 40.90%. De la Espriella, a lawyer and entrepreneur who models himself after Donald Trump, Javier Milei, and Nayib Bukele, campaigned on militarization, patriotism, and religious themes. Cepeda, a philosopher and human rights defender, warned that a de la Espriella victory would mean 'mafia fascism' and the destruction of social progress, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protections. Both candidates sharpened their rhetoric after the results, with de la Espriella calling Cepeda a 'bandit allied with drug terrorists' and Cepeda accusing his opponent of representing paramilitaries and drug traffickers. The runoff will determine whether Colombia continues left-wing social policies or shifts sharply to the right.
taz.de - taz.dePro-Trump candidate pulls ahead in Colombia presidential vote as ruling party sows doubt in results
In Colombia's first-round presidential election on May 31, 2026, tough-on-crime outsider Aberaldo de la Espriella, known as 'El Tigre' and a self-proclaimed supporter of US President Donald Trump, took the lead with 44% of the vote, setting up a runoff with progressive senator Iván Cepeda, who won 41%. Cepeda, an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, and Petro sowed doubt in the results without evidence, claiming vote manipulation. De la Espriella is expected to consolidate support from other conservative voters in the June runoff. The election highlights a polarized choice between Cepeda's 'total peace' negotiations with armed groups and de la Espriella's promise to crack down on crime, amid increased US pressure on Latin American countries to combat violence.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Colombia Heads to Runoff Election Between Left-Wing Senator and Right-Wing Lawyer
Colombia's presidential election will be decided in a runoff on June 21, 2026, after no candidate secured an absolute majority. Right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella led with 43.7% of valid votes, followed closely by left-wing senator Iván Cepeda at 41%. Conservative senator Paloma Valencia trailed with 7%. The election is a referendum on outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro's policies of higher social spending and negotiations with armed groups versus a more conservative, security-focused approach. The Petro camp has questioned preliminary results, citing alleged irregularities in counting software and voter registers, though such preliminary counts are typically reliable in Colombia. The campaign was marred by a wave of violence, including attacks on civilians and security forces. Cepeda aims to continue Petro's reform agenda, while de la Espriella advocates for a tough security stance and a leaner state.
taz.de - taz.deColombia Presidential Election Heads to Runoff Between Left-Wing Senator and Right-Wing Lawyer
Colombia's presidential election will be decided in a runoff on June 21, 2026, after no candidate secured an absolute majority. Right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella led with 43.7% of valid votes, followed closely by left-wing senator Iván Cepeda with 41%. Conservative senator Paloma Valencia trailed with about 7%. The election is seen as a referendum on the policies of outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro, who cannot run again. Cepeda aims to continue Petro's reform agenda of higher social spending and negotiations with armed groups, while de la Espriella advocates for a tough security stance and a leaner state. The campaign was marred by violence, with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation calling it one of the worst waves of violence in recent years. The Petro camp has questioned the preliminary results, citing alleged irregularities, though such preliminary counts are typically reliable in Colombia.
taz.de - taz.deColombia presidential election heads to runoff between leftist senator and right-wing populist
Colombia's presidential election will proceed to a runoff later this month after no candidate secured an outright majority in the first round on Sunday. Right-wing populist outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, known as 'The Tiger', won the largest share of the vote with 10.3 million votes (43.7%), but fell short of the required 50% plus one. He will face leftist senator Iván Cepeda, a close ally of outgoing leftist president Gustavo Petro, who came in second with 9.6 million votes (40.9%). No other candidate reached 7% of the vote. The right-wing candidate's strong performance was unexpected, continuing a trend of right-wing gains in Latin America.
Marginal REVOLUTIONColombia Presidential Runoff Set Between Leftist Senator and Right-Wing Populist 'The Tiger'
Colombia will hold a presidential runoff election later this month between leftist senator Iván Cepeda, a close ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, and right-wing populist outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, who calls himself 'The Tiger'. In the first round on Sunday, de la Espriella won 10.3 million votes (43.7%), while Cepeda secured 9.6 million votes (40.9%), with no candidate reaching the required 50% plus one for an outright victory. No other candidate exceeded 7% of the vote. De la Espriella, a combative former criminal defense lawyer, outperformed expectations, continuing a trend of right-wing gains in Latin America.
Marginal REVOLUTIONColombia Heads to Runoff as Right-Wing Populist Leads First Round
Colombia will hold a presidential runoff election later this month between leftist senator Iván Cepeda, a close ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, and right-wing populist outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, known as 'The Tiger'. De la Espriella, a combative former criminal defense lawyer, won the largest share of the first-round vote on Sunday with 10.3 million votes (43.7%), but fell short of the 50% plus one needed for an outright victory. Cepeda came in second with 9.6 million votes (40.9%). No other candidate reached 7%. The right-wing candidate's strong performance exceeded expectations, continuing a trend of right-wing gains in Latin America.
Marginal REVOLUTIONRight-wing libertarian hardliner Abelardo de la Espriella wins first round of Colombian presidential election
Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing libertarian candidate, won the first round of Colombia's presidential election with 43.7% of the vote, defeating left-wing populist Ivan Cepeda (40.9%). Cepeda, backed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro, refused to concede, alleging voter roll irregularities involving 885,000 IDs, a move condemned by other politicians. De la Espriella, a former lawyer known for representing controversial clients, promises a radical shift: a tough law-and-order policy inspired by El Salvador's Bukele, market-liberal reforms like Argentina's Milei, and an end to 'wokeism.' He also plans to move Colombia closer to the US and NATO, reversing Petro's anti-Western stance. The runoff is set for June 21. The election occurs amid high political violence, including the murder of a previous candidate and attacks on De la Espriella's supporters. The traditional conservative candidate Paloma Valencia, who got 7%, has endorsed De la Espriella, making him the slight favorite.
Nachrichten - WELTColombia Chooses President Amid Surge in Guerrilla Violence
Colombians voted on May 31, 2026, in a presidential election that could reshape the country's approach to rising guerrilla violence. Pre-election polls showed left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda leading, but facing a strong challenge from hard-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, a pro-Trump outsider. The vote is a referendum on outgoing President Gustavo Petro's 'total peace' initiative, which critics say allowed armed groups to expand territory and cocaine production. The campaign was marred by car bombs, attack drones, and the assassination of a leading candidate. De la Espriella, self-styled as 'The Tiger,' advocates a military crackdown, while Cepeda backs continued peace talks. A runoff on June 21 is expected. The election also reflects regional trends of right-wing populism and concerns over security, drug trafficking, and economic inequality.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Elections in Latin America: Left before Right
On May 31, 2026, 41 million Colombians vote for a new president. Left-wing senator Iván Cepeda of the Pacto Histórico coalition leads in polls, aiming to continue President Gustavo Petro's policies of 'total peace' and social reforms. He faces ultra-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and far-right candidate Paloma Valencia, who advocate hardline security policies and oppose the peace agreement. The article also notes broader leftist momentum in Latin America, referencing Argentina's Myriam Bregman. Cepeda, a human rights defender whose father was murdered by state forces, seeks to address poverty and inequality as root causes of violence. The election reflects a polarized political landscape between progressive and right-wing forces.
taz.de - taz.deElections in Latin America: Left before Right
On May 31, 2026, 41 million Colombians vote for a new president. Left-wing senator Iván Cepeda of the Pacto Histórico coalition leads polls, seeking to continue President Gustavo Petro's 'total peace' policy and social reforms. His main rivals are ultra-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, who models himself on Bukele, Milei, and Trump, and far-right candidate Paloma Valencia, backed by ex-President Uribe. Valencia opposes the peace agreement and abortion, while de la Espriella promotes sexism and press attacks. Cepeda, a human rights defender whose father was murdered by state forces, aims to address poverty and inequality as root causes of violence. The article also notes leftist prospects in neighboring countries like Argentina, where Myriam Bregman is a top candidate.
taz.de - taz.deColombian presidential candidates wrap up campaigns with big rallies ahead of May 31 vote
Colombian presidential candidates concluded their campaigns on May 24 with large rallies, ahead of the May 31 first-round vote. Analysts predict a deeply polarizing debate leading to a June 21 runoff. Leftist Ivan Cepeda, 63, is the narrow front-runner in final polls but is expected to lose a runoff against either of his right-wing rivals. Cepeda, who pledges to continue President Gustavo Petro's social reforms, faces criticism over the failed 'total peace' policy and alleged ties to former FARC leaders. Right-wing candidates Abelardo De La Espriella, 47, and Paloma Valencia, 48, advocate for tax cuts, military crackdowns, and reduced government. De La Espriella faces backlash over representing controversial clients, including Alex Saab. The next president will face challenges of restoring security, improving fiscal health, and reducing poverty and inequality.
The Straits Times World NewsColombia enters final stretch of presidential elections with Iván Cepeda leading polls
Colombia is in the final week before the May 31 presidential elections, with Iván Cepeda of the Historical Pact leading polls but potentially facing a runoff. According to Invamer, Cepeda has 44.6% support, followed by Abelardo de la Espriella at 31.6% and Paloma Valencia at 14%. A National Consulting Center poll shows a tighter race: Cepeda at 33.4%, De la Espriella at 30.9%. Candidates held large rallies over the weekend in Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Envigado. Cepeda called for defeating the 'extreme right' and continuing Gustavo Petro's reforms. De la Espriella promised to fight corruption and reduce the state, while Valencia criticized the government's total peace policy, arguing it has weakened security. A runoff is considered likely on June 21 if no candidate exceeds 50% of the vote.
La República: Últimas noticias de última hora del Perú y el mundoAnalysis of Colombia's Upcoming Presidential Election and Key Contenders
This article analyzes the landscape of Colombia's presidential election scheduled for May 31, with a potential runoff on June 21. The race is primarily contested by three candidates: Ivan Cepeda, representing the left-wing Historic Pact and current government; Paloma Valencia, a right-wing senator backed by former President Alvaro Uribe; and Abelardo de la Espriella, an independent hard-right outsider. Polls indicate Cepeda leads with approximately 40% support, potentially avoiding a first-round defeat, while Valencia and De la Espriella trail significantly. The piece highlights the ideological divide, noting the left's consolidation around Cepeda versus the fragmented right. Additionally, it examines the economic backdrop, citing improved GDP growth of 2.6% in 2025, though challenges remain with 8.2% unemployment and projected inflation of 8.5% by 2026. The author suggests that despite tensions between the Petro administration and the US under President Trump, the Colombian economy has remained relatively stable compared to regional peers. The outcome hinges on whether Cepeda can secure a majority or if a runoff becomes necessary, where right-wing voting blocs may consolidate against him.
Havana TimesColombia 2026 Election: Cepeda Leads Amid Right-Wing Split and Security Crisis
Colombia's upcoming May 31, 2026, presidential election has evolved into a tight three-way contest between left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, insurgent right-winger Abelardo de la Espriella, and institutional conservative Paloma Valencia. Polls indicate Cepeda leads in first-round intentions but lacks the absolute majority needed to avoid a runoff. The fragmentation of the right-wing vote between De la Espriella’s anti-establishment platform and Valencia’s traditional Uribista brand remains the critical mechanical factor determining the outcome. Prediction markets currently favor De la Espriella to ultimately win, highlighting the significance of the June 21 runoff. The election occurs amidst a deteriorating security environment marked by FARC dissident attacks and suspended peace talks, serving as a test of state capacity. Additionally, the vote functions as a referendum on outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s legacy, including his peace policies and economic reforms. The result will determine whether Colombia continues Petro’s reform cycle or shifts toward a law-and-order approach, significantly impacting foreign relations with Washington and domestic business confidence.
The Rio Times