Colombia’s Runoff Election Pits Far-Right Outsider Against Left-Wing Senator Amid Paramiltary Shadows

On 21 June 2026 Colombians will choose between criminal-defense lawyer Abelardo De La Espriella, a 47-year-old political newcomer, and Senator Iván Cepeda, a 63-year-old human-rights activist. De La Espriella leads the “Defenders of the Homeland” ticket; Cepeda runs under the Historic Pact coalition that succeeded President Gustavo Petro. The contest follows a first round in which De La Espriella secured roughly 44 % of votes and Cepeda about 41 %, with a turnout of 41.4 million voters.

Breitbart

Colombia’s armed conflict, spanning decades, involved right-wing paramilitary groups such as the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC). At their height, these militias numbered over 30 000 members, operating as a de-facto army. The 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) ended the largest insurgency but left paramilitary-linked criminal networks, notably the Gulf Clan, active in drug trafficking and territorial control.

The Guardian

Abelardo De La Espriella – A Miami-based lawyer who defended AUC leaders, he has built businesses in rum, wine, clothing, and real estate. He promises an “iron-fist” security agenda, including ten “mega-prisons” modeled on El Salvador, 90 executive decrees within 90 days, and a reduction of state size. He has received endorsements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.

Breitbart

Iván Cepeda – Son of a senator assassinated by paramilitary-linked forces, Cepeda spent his career documenting paramilitary crimes. He supports a continuation of Petro’s “total peace” negotiations, seeks to expand anti-corruption measures, and has pledged to respect election results. Former Bogotá mayor Claudia López announced she will vote for Cepeda “as an independent” to block a far-right presidency.

Colombia: Claudia Lopez Says She’ll Vote for Ivan Cepeda

• First-round vote share: De La Espriella ? 44 %; Cepeda ? 41 % (Breitbart).

New York Times

• Eligible voters: 41.4 million.

Colombia: Claudia Lopez Says She’ll Vote for Ivan Cepeda

• Paramiltary peak membership: >30 000 (Gustavo Duncan).

The Guardian

• AUC designated a U.S. foreign terrorist organization in 2001.

The Guardian

President Trump described De La Espriella as a “Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader” and pledged “total support and strength” from the United States. Eleven Democratic members of Congress urged the administration to investigate De La Espriella’s alleged AUC ties, citing the group’s history of massacres and drug trafficking. De La Espriella dismissed the accusations as a “smokescreen.” Cepeda filed a criminal complaint alleging De La Espriella acted as a “possible recruiter” for the AUC through a foundation he created.

Breitbart

U.S. lawmakers and Colombian NGOs, including La Silla Vacía, highlighted minority shareholders in De La Espriella’s firms who are relatives of convicted paramilitary commander “Comandante Barbie.” Critics warn that his rhetoric—promising to “disembowel the left” and labeling opponents as “cockroaches”—signals an authoritarian turn. Human-rights observers note his past defense of paramilitary leaders and his alleged sexist and homophobic statements.

The Guardian

Lucy Vélez, a graphic designer from Manizales, linked high crime to rapid recidivism: “One reason there is so much criminality in Colombia is that people rob, kill and then a few days later they are back on the streets.” A Bogotá driver identified only as Marcela expressed nostalgia for paramilitary control of guerrillas: “The paramilitaries kept the guerrillas in check.”

The Guardian

De La Espriella’s legal representation of AUC leaders is undisputed, yet he denies any recruitment role. Congressional letters request investigation, but De La Espriella has not provided documentation of his business relationships. The extent of Gulf Clan’s current influence remains unclear.

The Guardian

The runoff will determine Colombia’s security strategy, the trajectory of U.S.–Colombia cooperation, and the durability of the 2016 peace framework. A De La Espriella victory could shift policy toward militarized crime suppression; a Cepeda win would aim to extend negotiated peace efforts.

Breitbart

The runoff occurs on 21 June; the winner assumes office on 7 August. Both campaigns plan post-election legal challenges and policy roll-outs, while international observers monitor potential impacts on regional stability.

Colombia: Claudia Lopez Says She’ll Vote for Ivan Cepeda

• “Your tiger is here!” — Abelardo De La Espriella

New York Times

• “It was a catastrophic campaign,” — Juan Carlos Flórez, Colombian political historian

New York Times

• “One reason there is so much criminality in Colombia is that people rob, kill and then a few days later they are back on the streets,” — Lucy Vélez, graphic designer

The Guardian

• “At its peak, these groups had more than 30,000 members. It was an enormous army spread throughout the country,” — Gustavo Duncan, paramilitarism scholar

The Guardian

• “The paramilitaries kept the guerrillas in check,” — Marcela, former businesswoman, now driver

The Guardian

• “Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader.” — Donald Trump (endorsement statement)

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