Colombian presidential candidates wrap up campaigns with big rallies
Colombian presidential candidates concluded their campaigns with large rallies ahead of the May 31 vote. Ivan Cepeda is the narrow front-runner, but analysts predict he may lose in a potential runoff. The election is expected to spark intense debate and focus on candidates' controversial backgrounds and policies.
- ▪Ivan Cepeda is leading in the polls but may face challenges in a runoff against right-wing rivals.
- ▪Cepeda's campaign is built on continuing social reforms but is criticized for ties to former guerrilla leaders.
- ▪Abelardo De La Espriella and Paloma Valencia are also key candidates with distinct platforms focused on security and economic reforms.
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Colombian presidential candidates wrap up campaigns with big ralliesSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 25, 2026, 07:58 AMUpdated May 25, 2026, 07:58 AMBOGOTA, May 24 - Colombia's presidential candidates wrapped up their campaigns on Sunday with rallies that drew massive crowds, ahead of a May 31 vote that analysts predict will result in weeks of heated and deeply polarizing debate ahead of a June 21 runoff.Leftist politician Ivan Cepeda, 63, was a narrow front-runner in the final poll before the May 31 vote. The poll, however, predicted he would lose the June runoff against either of his right-wing rivals.
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