Colombia will hold elections on May 31 to choose its next president. The winner will succeed current President Gustavo Petro, who cannot seek reelection because Colombian law prohibits consecutive presidential terms.

Fourteen candidates will compete in the race, with three currently coming at the top of the polls: left-wing Iván Cepeda — the contender backed by Petro — far-right Abelardo de la Espriella; and traditional right candidate Paloma Valencia.

The next president will face major challenges, including a widening fiscal deficit, high levels of debt, worsening security conditions, and the management of the armed conflict with guerrilla groups. 

The strategy for addressing the latter could vary drastically depending on who wins.

What will Colombians vote?

On Sunday May 31 Colombian electors will vote for president and vice president for the 2026-2030 period. The winners are set to take office on August 7.

Candidates must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright in the first round. As no candidate appears likely to reach that threshold, according to opinion polls, a runoff election is expected on June 21.

Legislative elections were held in March to renew both the Lower House and the Senate. President Gustavo Petro’s party, Pacto Histórico (Historic Pact), finished first with 23% of the vote, followed by the centre-right Centro Democrático (Democratic Centre) party (16%), founded by former President Álvaro Uribe.

What do the polls say?

Senator Iván Cepeda, from Pacto Histórico, is leading the polls a week from the election, with between 35% and 44% of vote intention, according to surveys published in the past few days.

Center-right Senator Paloma Valencia (Centro Democrático) and far-right businessman Abelardo de la Espriella, from Defensores de la Patria........

© Buenos Aires Herald