Colombia's Presidential Runoff: Continuity or Change?

The Lead-Up to the Runoff Election

Voters in Colombia are preparing to head to the polls for the second time in less than a month to decide who will be the South American country's next president.

The Candidates' Visions for Colombia's Future

The two candidates competing in Sunday's runoff offer starkly differing visions for the country's future. One candidate, left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, has pledged continuity with the government of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who championed anti-poverty measures and negotiations with the country's armed groups.

The other, far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, has promised a break from establishment politics, including a swerve away from negotiated solutions and towards more military-led responses to crime and violence.

The First Round of Voting

De la Espriella emerged with a small advantage over Cepeda in the first round of voting on May 31, earning 43.7 percent of the vote compared with the senator's 40.9 percent. Neither, however, secured a majority of 50 percent or more to avoid a runoff race.

The Candidates' Platforms and Implications

Cepeda has promised to continue with Petro's efforts to reduce social and economic inequality. De la Espriella, on the other hand, has pledged a hardline approach to security, including ending all negotiations with armed groups and bombing their camps.

A victory for de la Espriella could send Colombia veering in an uncharted direction, with implications for the country's relationship with the US and its approach to human rights.

The Role of International Influence

US President Donald Trump has endorsed de la Espriella, congratulating him on his success in the first round of voting and comparing himself to the far-right candidate. Trump's endorsement has triggered concern that he might seek to influence the outcome of Colombia's election.