Presidential election in Colombia: voters choose between social reforms and security policy

Colombians went to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election, a vote which, according to polls, should lead to a decisive second round in June.

Left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda appears to be the frontrunner in this first round of elections. The 63-year-old advocates for continuing the reforms initiated under President Gustavo Petro, particularly in the areas of combating inequality, reducing poverty, and expanding healthcare coverage. He also promises to pursue negotiations with illegal armed groups within the framework of the peace process.

However, opinion polls indicate that it will be difficult for him to obtain the more than 50% of votes needed to be elected in the first round without a second round. In this scenario, he could face strengthened opposition from right-wing and centrist voters rallying behind a single candidate.

Among his main opponents is the independent businessman Abelardo De La Espriella. De La Espriella is campaigning on a platform focused on restoring law and order and combating crime. He criticizes the policies of the left and promises a tougher response to criminal groups and armed organizations.

Conservative Senator Paloma Valencia is also in the running. A prominent figure on the Colombian right, she advocates for a strict security policy as well as the development of oil and gas exploration. Her potential victory would make her the first woman elected president of the country.

The election is taking place against a backdrop of persistent challenges related to security, drug trafficking, and social inequality. The results of the first round will determine which visions for Colombia's future will clash in the likely second round scheduled for June.

Observers believe that the outcome of the election could have a lasting influence on the country's political direction, between continuing the social reforms undertaken in recent years and returning to a policy more focused on security and economic growth.