Colombia head to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election that could significantly alter the country’s relationship with the United States and influence political dynamics across Latin America.
The race features three major contenders: ruling coalition candidate Iván Cepeda, conservative outsider Abelardo De la Espriella, and center-right senator Paloma Valencia. With no candidate expected to secure more than 50% of the vote in the first round, a runoff election is likely on June 21.
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The election takes place amid rising political tensions and security concerns. According to Colombia’s Electoral Observation Mission, hundreds of incidents of political violence have been recorded since early 2025, including attacks on candidates, kidnappings, threats, and the killing of a presidential hopeful.
Campaign debates have centered on security, economic challenges, peace negotiations, and Colombia’s strained relationship with the United States under President Gustavo Petro. Since taking office in 2022, Petro has faced repeated disagreements with Washington over anti-narcotics policies, regional diplomacy, and Colombia’s growing engagement with China.
Cepeda has pledged to continue many of Petro’s policies, including peace talks with armed groups, agrarian reform, environmental initiatives, and a foreign policy focused on regional cooperation and diplomatic independence. He advocates addressing crime through a combination of security measures, human rights protections, and efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
His opponents, however, favor a tougher approach. De la Espriella and Valencia both support stronger military action against criminal organizations, the resumption of aerial coca crop fumigation, and closer security cooperation with the United States. Both candidates have expressed support for a renewed anti-narcotics partnership similar to the original Plan Colombia framework.
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Political observers say the outcome could have major implications for US-Colombia relations. A victory for either conservative candidate may lead to closer alignment with President Donald Trump’s regional agenda, while a Cepeda victory could prolong policy differences between Bogotá and Washington.
The election is being closely watched throughout the region as Colombia weighs competing visions for its political and diplomatic future.