Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

De la Espriella Leads Colombian Election, Sets Runoff; Peso Rises

6/1/2026

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella topped the first round with 43.7 % of the vote and will face Iván Cepeda in a June 21 runoff.
Paloma Valencia, who earned less than 7 % of the vote, endorsed de la Espriella for the runoff.
The Colombian peso rose to 3,551 per U.S. dollar after de la Espriella’s strong showing.
President Gustavo Petro and Iván Cepeda said they will review the preliminary results for possible irregularities.

History

Historical Context

Uribe’s decisive first-round victory on 26 May 2002 launched his “democratic security” campaign and a surge in state spending, setting a precedent for later contests. After the 2016 peace deal, the 27 May 2018 election saw Iván Duque win a strong plurality, and in 2022 Gustavo Petro became Colombia’s first left-wing president, illustrating how early leads shape both security policy and economic expectations.

1 of 2

Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella topped the first round with 43.7 % of the vote and will face Iván Cepeda in a June 21 runoff.
Paloma Valencia, who earned less than 7 % of the vote, endorsed de la Espriella for the runoff.
The Colombian peso rose to 3,551 per U.S. dollar after de la Espriella’s strong showing.
President Gustavo Petro and Iván Cepeda said they will review the preliminary results for possible irregularities.

1 / 2