Polls have closed in Colombia’s presidential election. The vote comes after months of political tension, including disputes between left-wing President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump over drug trafficking and foreign influence in the region.

 

Colombia’s constitution prevents Petro from running again, so he has backed Iván Cepeda as his successor. The main challengers are right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and conservative Paloma Valencia.

 

Early polling suggests that the right-wing de la Espriella came top in the voting, followed closely by the left-wing senator Iván Cepeda. Although no candidate achieved more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright majority, making a runoff vote likely on 21 of this month.

 

Cepeda supports continuing Petro’s total peace policy, which seeks negotiations with armed groups, though violence has continued despite stalled peace talks. On the other side, Valencia and de la Espriella support a tougher military approach to crime.

 

The election has taken place amid ongoing political violence, including the killing of a candidate last year. The result is expected to shape Colombia’s approach to security, drug trafficking, and relations with the United States.

 

Cepeda favours maintaining Colombia’s independence from close US alignment, while his opponents want stronger security cooperation with Washington.