Colombia presidential election heads to runoff after first round

Colombia's presidential election will proceed to a second round on June 21 after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote. Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella led the first round with 43.74%, followed by left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda with 40.90%. Other candidates included Paloma Valencia with 6.92% and Sergio Fajardo with 4.26%. The electoral process has been marred by significant violence, marking the deadliest campaign in a decade with numerous killings of community leaders and a presidential candidate. While de la Espriella has begun preparing for the next round, Cepeda has refused to concede, citing reports of irregularities at some polling stations. The election reflects a deep divide over how to address the country's six-decade armed conflict, with candidates split between continuing peace negotiations or pursuing a hardline military approach. Official results confirmed the runoff, though election authorities have yet to address the specific allegations of irregularities raised by the opposition.