Colombians will vote on Sunday in what is likely to be the first round of presidential elections, amid deep polarization between those seeking continuity with the leftist government and those pushing for change to restore security and economic growth.
Ivan Cepeda, the candidate of the left-wing Historical Pact coalition, is leading the polls thanks to his promises to expand President Gustavo Petra’s social programs and pursue peace with illegal armed groups to end the 60-year internal conflict, although he is expected to face an uphill battle in an eventual runoff.
Cepeda, a 63-year-old philosopher and congressman since 2010, has proposed tax reforms to broaden the tax base, introduce a wealth tax and reduce exemptions for large companies to finance social spending. He said he was open to proposals from the left to rewrite the constitution.
Cepeda, whose father, a communist leader, was killed in a paramilitary attack in 1994, faces a divided right-wing led by independent businessman Abelardo De La Espriella and senator Paloma Valencia, backed by former president Alvaro Uribe.
De La Espriella, a 47-year-old political outsider whose supporters call him “The Tiger,” has focused his campaign on security, shrinking the state and reviving the economy. His proposals include an aggressive response to crime, drug trafficking and illegal armed groups, strengthening the armed forces and building mega-prisons. He plans to cut taxes and revive the mining and oil sectors.
Valencia, 48, a lawyer and candidate for the right-wing Democratic Center party, similarly emphasized security and economic recovery. She promised to fight illegal armed groups, end Peter’s efforts to negotiate peace accords, cut corporate taxes to boost employment and continue health, justice and pension reforms.
Centrist candidates, including former Antioquia governor Sergio Fajardo and former Bogotá mayor Claudia Lopez, have trailed in the polls compared to previous elections.
Polls show that any candidate is unlikely to secure more than 50% of the vote on Sunday, meaning the top two finishers would advance to a June 21 runoff.
Whoever wins will face major challenges, including stabilizing public finances in Latin America’s fourth-largest economy, reducing poverty, curbing violence linked to the internal conflict and addressing social needs.
(Vijesti.ba/Fena)
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