Colombia conservative presidential candidate De La Espriella and leftist Cepeda heading to runoff

Business-friendly populist Abelardo de la Espriella and Leftist senator Iván Cepeda are heading to a runoff since neither candidate broke the 50% mark, according to preliminary results in Sunday's election.

President Gustavo Petro’s cannot run again for a second consecutive term.

This current election is taking place about ten years after Colombia signed a historic peace deal with the FARC rebel group.

Critics argue that Petro's government has failed to contain the resurgence of armed groups and organized crime. He has countered, in part, that more social investment is needed to address the situation.

Cepeda has campaigned on preserving Petro’s peace agenda and continuing talks with armed factions. 

De la Espriella has advocated for tax reductions and a crackdown on criminal networks.

Conservative senator Paloma Valencia, another candidate, had pushed for a more aggressive security strategy and closer alignment with the policies of former President Álvaro Uribe.

Sergio Fajardo, former Medellín mayor, campaigned as a moderate alternative with a focus on education.

Political violence has cast a shadow over the election after presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot dead during a rally last June.