Colombia holds first round of presidential elections amid record violence

Colombian voters are heading to the polls for the first round of the presidential election to select a successor to outgoing President Gustavo Petro. The campaign period has been marked by significant violence, described as the deadliest in the last decade, including the assassination of one presidential candidate and the deaths of numerous community leaders, civilians, police officers, and soldiers. A total of 14 candidates are competing, with polls identifying Senator Ivan Cepeda, lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, and Senator Paloma Valencia as the front-runners. The central political debate focuses on the approach to the six-decade-long internal armed conflict, specifically whether to continue peace negotiations with armed groups or utilize military force against cartels and remnants of paramilitary and rebel factions. Current security concerns are at their highest level since the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC was signed. Should no candidate secure an absolute majority, a runoff election is scheduled for June 21. The outcome will determine the nation's strategy regarding the increased activity of armed organizations operating within the country.