BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – Colombia is set to hold a presidential and vice-presidential election on May 31, a crucial vote that could serve as a referendum on the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro. The election is particularly significant as Petro's tenure has been marked by controversial peace negotiations with remaining rebel groups and sweeping social and economic reforms, which include a significant overhaul of the nation’s labor laws.
Gustavo Petro, 66, a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group, has challenged traditional foreign policy, particularly in relation to the United States, focusing on anti-drug policies and immigration issues. His administration's policies will be tested as voters head to the polls, with Petro asserting that “the people will decide if the revolution is defeated or if it moves forward.”
Despite a total of 14 candidates on the ballot, the election has narrowed down to three main contenders. Due to constitutional restrictions, Petro cannot seek reelection. His party, the Historical Pact, is represented by Iván Cepeda, 63, a senator known for advocating for victims of state crimes throughout Colombia's prolonged conflict.
Abelardo de la Espriella, 47, a flamboyant lawyer running as an independent, presents himself as an outsider, asserting that he has no backing from the main political parties. De la Espriella enjoys a reputation for representing high-profile clients involved in controversial legal battles, including business owners accused of money laundering.
Another strong candidate is Paloma Valencia, 48, a senator associated with the Democratic Center, the party led by former President Álvaro Uribe. Backed by most traditional parties, Valencia's campaign reflects concerns regarding the escalating debt under Petro's administration, advocating for a return to more conventional economic policies.
If no candidate secures 50% of the votes, a runoff election will take place on June 21, featuring the top two contenders. Cepeda has committed to advancing economic reforms started by Petro, which include raising the minimum wage and increasing taxes on wealth and corporate revenue. He also aims to preserve peace negotiations with remaining rebel forces and bolster rural development through financial support for small farmers.
On the other hand, Valencia and De la Espriella vehemently oppose the idea of rewriting Colombia’s constitution, a proposal Cepeda has floated in pursuit of a “national agreement” for reform. Critics warn that a constitutional rewrite may jeopardize Colombia’s democracy by undermining Congress and the judiciary's independence. Both Valencia and De la Espriella have vowed to suspend peace talks and employ a more aggressive stance against the rebel groups while promising tax reductions for businesses and enhancements in oil and gas investments.
Among the electorate, over 41.2 million Colombians are registered voters, including around 1.2 million living abroad, positioning Colombia's election as the third largest presidential election in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico. Voter turnout among expatriates has been significant, with 59% participating in the last presidential election held in 2022. In the previous election, 21.3 million voters engaged in the first round, while 22.6 million participated in the runoff.
Colombia’s security landscape is complex, rooted in a 2016 peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which led to the disarmament of over 13,000 fighters. However, several criminal groups that did not join the agreement continue to contend for control of areas previously dominated by FARC. Critics of the Petro administration assert that the peace negotiations with these groups have enabled them to regroup and strengthen their influence in regions plagued by violence and extortion.
In 2025, the humanitarian impact of Colombia's conflict reached alarming levels, with a doubling of displaced individuals to 225,000 and a notable emergence of injuries connected to explosive devices. The challenges faced by the incoming administration will significantly depend on voters’ choices in the upcoming election, determining the future direction of Colombia's policies and security situation.
