Colombia's Big Three Race Nears Finish Line After Crowd-Pulling Final Push

Colombia wrapped up its main presidential campaign phase last Sunday with three massive rallies that felt more like rock concerts than political events. The biggest crowds turned out in three different cities: Barranquilla on the coast, Medellín in the business heartland, and Bogotá, the capital. These events set the stage for a May 31 vote that’s expected to spark months of intense arguments before a second round on June 21. The latest polls show leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda, 63, narrowly ahead but facing a tough second round against either of his right-wing opponents. Earlier surveys had actually predicted he would win the runoff. Cepeda promises to keep pushing the social reforms started by the current president, Gustavo Petro, but critics point out that Petro’s signature “total peace” plan—aimed at ending decades of conflict through talks with armed groups—hasn’t delivered results. Some voters worry Cepeda’s old ties to the FARC guerrilla group, which officially disbanded years ago but still has active factions, could drag Colombia back into violence. The conflict has already killed over 450, 000 people and involves armed groups, drug cartels, and paramilitary forces.Coming in second in the polls is Abelardo De La Espriella, 47, a lawyer and businessman who wants lower taxes, more investment in mining and energy, and a stronger military crackdown on armed groups and drug trafficking. But he’s also under fire for defending controversial figures, including Alex Saab, a Venezuelan businessman recently sent to the U. S. to face charges of helping Venezuela’s former president, Nicolás Maduro, dodge sanctions. Paloma Valencia, 48, is running third but has strong support from former president Álvaro Uribe. She wants to grow the military, shrink government, and cut taxes. With polls so close, the next president will have a tough job ahead—fixing security, balancing the country’s budget, tackling informal jobs, and reducing poverty and inequality. As the runoff approaches, expect the debate to get ugly fast. Analysts say voters will hear a lot of name-calling, with accusations flying about corruption, moral failures, and ties to armed groups. The final choice won’t just decide who leads—it’ll shape whether Colombia can move past its violent past or stay stuck in old divisions.