Arabic version: كولومبيا تنتخب رئيسًا جديدًا في مشهد سياسي منقسم

Colombia is voting for a new president in an election that could reshape its relations with the United States. This election comes after months of public disputes between current President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump over issues like drug trafficking and U.S. intervention in the region. Petro, who is not seeking re-election, has endorsed Iván Cepeda, while centre-right candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia are also in the race.

According to BBC News, the election outcome could significantly influence Colombia’s international alliances and its approach to escalating violence from drug gangs. Voting commenced at 08:00 local time and is expected to close at 16:00. A run-off vote is anticipated on June 21, as no candidate is expected to secure an outright majority.

Cepeda has pledged to continue the current government’s policy of “total peace,” which aims for negotiated settlements with armed groups involved in drug trafficking. However, this approach has faced challenges, with violence resurfacing despite efforts at dialogue. The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported that armed conflict in Colombia affected civilians more than ever last year.

In contrast, de la Espriella and Valencia have promised to initiate a military crackdown on drug gangs if elected. The campaign has been marred by violence, including the assassination of a candidate last summer, prompting de la Espriella to campaign behind bulletproof glass. Both right-wing candidates have expressed intentions to strengthen Colombia’s security alliance with the U.S.

Cepeda, like Petro, has asserted that Colombia should not act as a “vassal state” to the U.S. Nevertheless, cooperation on anti-drug efforts has persisted despite political tensions. The relationship between Petro and Trump has seen fluctuations, with Trump previously criticizing Petro for insufficient action against drug trafficking. However, their relations appeared to improve following a meeting at the White House in February, where Trump praised Petro as “terrific.”