Colombia Presidential Election Heads to Runoff After First Round
2 verified3 unconfirmed1 contested
Colombians voted Sunday, June 1, 2026, in a presidential election that will select a successor to current President Gustavo Petro. Following the first round of voting, the race has advanced to a second round. Celebrity lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella topped the first round, securing a spot in the runoff. Armed guards and police were present at polling stations during the vote. The second round will determine the next president of Colombia.
What’s verified
Colombians voted in a presidential election on June 1, 2026.
Abelardo de la Espriella advanced to the second round (runoff).
Where accounts differ
One source reports that Iván Cepeda also advanced to the second round alongside de la Espriella. Another source does not mention Cepeda and states only that de la Espriella topped the first round. No other conflicting reports identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
Whether Iván Cepeda is the second candidate in the runoff is based on a single report.
The presence of armed guards and police at polling stations is based on a single report.
The description of de la Espriella as a “celebrity lawyer” who “unexpectedly” topped the first round comes from a single report.
Key figures
Iván Cepeda (candidate)
Abelardo de la Espriella (candidate)
Gustavo Petro (incumbent president)
Sources: abcnews.com, realclearpolitics.com
