Colombia’s first round tests how reformist hope stacks up against security-focused rivals
Colombians cast ballots in a tight first round pitting leftist Ivan Cepeda, who pledges peace talks and broader social reforms, against hardline advocate Abelardo De La Espriella and right-wing Paloma Valencia, who push anti‑corruption measures, security crackdowns and oil-and-gas policies to fund social programs; Cepeda is unlikely to hit the 50% threshold, making a June runoff likely.