Tuesday, May 26, 2026- Colombia’s leading presidential candidates wrapped up their campaigns with huge rallies across the country ahead of a tense national election that is expected to reshape the country’s political direction.
Left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda drew large crowds in Barranquilla while conservative rivals Abelardo De La Espriella and Paloma Valencia held competing events in Medellín and Bogotá. The final campaign weekend highlighted deep divisions among voters as candidates focused heavily on security, the economy, and growing public frustration over violence and instability.
Cepeda entered the final stretch narrowly leading national polls and promised to continue the social reform agenda started under President Gustavo Petro, including peace negotiations with armed groups and expanded social programs.
Meanwhile, De La Espriella campaigned aggressively on law-and-order policies, tax cuts, and stronger military action against criminal organizations, while Valencia pushed a similar hardline security platform combined with pro-business economic reforms. Analysts say the race has become increasingly polarized, with fears that political tensions could intensify further before a likely runoff election next month.
Security concerns have also overshadowed the election after several campaign workers and political figures were attacked during the race. Colombian authorities deployed large numbers of police and military personnel nationwide to secure voting stations and rally sites amid fears of violence from armed groups and criminal networks.
With no candidate expected to secure an outright majority in the first round, the country is now bracing for what could become one of the most heated presidential runoffs in recent Colombian history.
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