Two sides of a political chasm share one fear in Colombia’s presidential race: A return to the past
The presidential election centers on how to fight criminal violence. Voters are haunted by six decades of armed conflict. A right-wing win in the third-largest country in Latin America could affect the broader region.
What changed
New data highlights the scale of violence and the potential regional impact of the election result.
Live updates
-
Violence and History Shape Colombia's Presidential Race
confidence 90%The presidential election centers on how to fight criminal violence. Voters are haunted by six decades of armed conflict. A right-wing win in the third-largest country in Latin America could affect the broader region.
What's confirmed:
- More than 10 million people are victims of the harshest acts of violence in Colombia's six decades of armed conflict.
- Victims of the armed conflict represent more than one in five Colombians.
Still unconfirmed:
- A right-wing victory in Latin America's third-largest country could ripple across the region.
-
Colombia Presidential Race Divided by Rival Visions and Fiscal Fears
confidence 70%Colombia is facing a high-stakes presidential election where candidates present opposing visions for the country. Both sides share a fear of returning to the past while grappling with looming fiscal realities. The race features a mix of nationalist law-and-order platforms and social reform efforts.
Still unconfirmed:
- De La Espriella is running a nationalist law-and-order campaign.
- De La Espriella is a Trump ally who has vowed death to cartels.
- Social reformer, philosopher, and senator Cepeda is seeking the presidency.
- The next president may face tax hikes and blackouts.
- Some view the election as a battle for the future of the Amazon.
- Candidates have deployed poll watchers for the election.