Colombian Presidential Candidates Conclude Campaign Rallies Ahead of May 31 Election

On May 24-25, the three leading contenders held closing rallies in distinct venues: Iván Cepeda in Barranquilla’s Par Vial, Abelardo de la Espriella in Medellín’s former bullring La Macarena, and Paloma Valencia in Bogotá’s Movistar Arena. Colombia’s first-round vote is set for May 31, with a runoff scheduled for June 21 if no candidate exceeds 50 % of the vote.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first round

Iván Cepeda, senator for the Historic Pact (Pacto Histórico), pledges a “second progressive government” focused on social justice, equity, and extending the “total peace” negotiations begun under President Gustavo Petro. Abelardo de la Espriella, lawyer and founder of the Defensores de la Patria movement, campaigns on tax cuts, expanded mining, and a hard-line security crackdown, branding his supporters as a “pack” that will “roar.” Paloma Valencia, senator for the Centro Democrático, promotes a strengthened armed forces, reduced government size, tax reductions, and a “safe, equitable Colombia” backed by former president Álvaro Uribe.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first roundColombia's Presidential Candidates Near to Close Campaign RalliesThe Straits Times

An Invamer poll released in late May shows Cepeda leading with 44.6 % of voter intention, while De la Espriella and Valencia trail in the high-teens. Approximately 10 % of the electorate remains undecided. Earlier surveys alternately projected Cepeda either winning or losing a potential runoff against a right-wing opponent.

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Cepeda emphasized unity, declaring that “when the people unite, nothing stops them,” and promised to prioritize the “excluded, forgotten, or discarded” sectors. De la Espriella highlighted national resurgence, asserting that his movement would “triumphed and roared like never before.” Valencia appealed to families, stating her goal is “a safe Colombia, an equitable Colombia, with opportunities for all.” All three candidates framed the election as a decisive moment for security, fiscal stability, and poverty reduction.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first round

Cepeda faces accusations of links to former FARC leaders and criticism of Petro’s stalled “total peace” talks, which have left over 450 000 dead in the decades-long conflict. De la Espriella’s legal representation of Alex Saab, a businessman alleged to be a front for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has drawn scrutiny. Valencia’s candidacy is bolstered by Uribe’s supporters, prompting opponents to label the campaign as a continuation of “Uribismo” and to question her stance on justice for victims of past violence.

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The campaign unfolds amid heightened security concerns, including reported aggression against Historic Pact activists in Antioquia. Simultaneously, two U.S. federal investigations target President Petro for alleged drug-trafficking connections, adding an international dimension to domestic political calculations.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first round

While the Invamer poll places Cepeda ahead, other recent polls suggested he could secure a runoff victory against a right-wing contender. Conversely, some analysts warned that the same data could translate into a runoff loss for Cepeda, reflecting divergent methodological assumptions and sample compositions.

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• “We can expect a fear-mongering campaign focused on each candidate’s worst attributes,” — Sergio Guzman, director, Colombia Risk Analysis.

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• “?I close my campaign here with joy, as I am a son of the Caribbean through my maternal roots and my Lebanese ancestors,? said the ruling-coalition candidate, who leads the polls.” — Iván Cepeda, senator, Pacto Histórico.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first round

• “?The pack awoke, triumphed, and roared like never before in the history of the homeland,? he said, in reference to his movement.” — Abelardo de la Espriella, candidate, Defensores de la Patria.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first round

• “?For them we want a safe Colombia, an equitable Colombia, with opportunities for all,? she said.” — Paloma Valencia, senator, Centro Democrático.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first round

• “This fanatical aggression is Uribe’s response to the political and electoral force that our project is demonstrating in the department. It is also a desperate response from Uribismo to the advancements in justice and truth that have been achieved by mothers and victims” — Iván Cepeda.

Colombia's Presidential Candidates Near to Close Campaign Rallies

• “She is a prepared woman, who knows the country, understands its difficulties, and knows how to resolve them.” — María Claudia Tarazona, widow of Miguel Uribe Turbay.

Three main Colombian presidential candidates close campaigns one week before first round

If no candidate reaches an absolute majority on May 31, the June 21 runoff will pit the top two vote-getters against each other, likely pitting Cepeda against either De la Espriella or Valencia. The outcome will determine Colombia’s approach to security, fiscal reform, and the continuation or reversal of Petro’s peace initiatives.

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