Colombia's presidential election is headed to a second round after no candidate secured the majority required for an outright victory. Left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda and far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella emerged as the top two contenders and will face each other in a runoff election on June 21.
With nearly all votes counted, de la Espriella led the race with 43 percent of the vote, while Cepeda secured 40 percent support. Right-wing Senator Paloma Valencia failed to advance despite being considered a leading candidate earlier in the campaign.
Security and crime dominated the election debate. De la Espriella campaigned on a tough law-and-order platform, promising stronger action against criminal groups and drug trafficking networks. Cepeda, meanwhile, defended peace negotiations and pledged to continue policies associated with outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
The runoff is expected to be closely contested, with Colombia's political future hinging on whether voters choose a hardline security approach or continued efforts toward negotiated peace.
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