Colombians will vote Sunday in the first round of a presidential election, choosing between a leftist promising reforms, an independent businessman vowing a security crackdown, and a right-wing senator aiming to become the first female leader.
Leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda leads polls but is unlikely to reach the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. He faces a tougher contest in the second round when right-leaning and centrist voters consolidate.
Cepeda pledges to continue peace talks with illegal armed groups, deepen reforms to reduce inequality, raise taxes on high earners, gift 1 million hectares to conflict victims, and expand healthcare.
His main rival, Abelardo De La Espriella, a lawyer and businessman never elected, draws comparisons to Nayib Bukele. He proposes a tough offensive against armed groups, 10 megaprisons, and poverty reduction via education, healthcare, and housing.
In third place is Paloma Valencia, a senator backed by former President Alvaro Uribe. Her platform is hardline against corruption, drugs, and armed groups, supporting tax breaks and social programs funded by oil and gas exploration.
