Colombians head to polls Sunday for presidential election

Voters are heading to the polls on Sunday and selecting a new president, given that President Gustavo Petro’s legacy cannot run again.

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 argued, in part, that more social investment is needed to address the situation.

Leftist senator Iván Cepeda has campaigned on preserving Petro’s peace agenda and continuing talks with armed factions. Conservative senator Paloma Valencia has pushed for a more aggressive security strategy and closer alignment with the policies of former President Álvaro Uribe.

Business-friendly populist Abelardo de la Espriella has advocated for tax reductions and a crackdown on criminal networks.

Sergio Fajardo, former Medellín mayor, has 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.