Colombia heads to tense runoff vote as violence, armed groups dominate presidential campaign

Colombia is holding a decisive presidential runoff election amid
growing insecurity, rising activity by armed groups, and deep
political polarization over how to address decades of conflict,
AzerNEWS reports.

The vote pits left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, a key figure behind
President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” strategy, against
right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, who has campaigned on
a hardline security agenda and an end to negotiations with illegal
armed groups.

Security concerns have become central to the campaign, with
voters citing widespread extortion, forced displacement, and
violence in rural and urban areas. Colombia continues to face
instability linked to armed organisations including dissident
factions of the former FARC, the ELN, and the Clan del Golfo, which
have expanded their presence in drug trafficking and illegal mining
regions.

In recent years, the number of active armed group members has
increased significantly, with clashes and territorial disputes
leading to repeated displacement crises. A major escalation was
recorded along the Venezuela–Colombia border last year, where
fighting forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.

Cepeda has defended the government’s “total peace” approach,
arguing that dialogue with armed groups helps reduce violence and
prevent further escalation. De la Espriella, meanwhile, has pledged
a tougher military response, including expanded incarceration,
intensified operations against criminal networks, and a halt to
negotiations.

The campaign has also been marked by heightened political
tensions, including accusations of electoral interference and
mutual allegations between candidates. Recent polling suggests a
closely contested race, with both blocs claiming viable paths to
victory depending on turnout and coalition dynamics.