Colombia: Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda advance to a runoff

Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and left-wing senator Iván Cepeda will contest the runoff of Colombia’s presidential election on 21 June 2026, after taking around 43.6% and 41.1% of the vote respectively in the first round on 31 May, according to the National Civil Registry’s preliminary count.

The campaign was marked by sharp polarization and reports of political violence in several regions. Organizations such as the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) have documented threats during the election cycle against regional journalists covering local politics and the armed conflict.

Whoever is elected will take office on 7 August 2026 for the 2026-2030 term.

Sources: National Civil Registry; FLIP.