Right-wing outsider leads Colombia presidential race

Right-wing outsider Abdela Espriella is emerging as a leading contender for the presidency of Colombia. The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for May 31, 2026. Espriella, or Paloma Valencia from former President Álvaro Uribe's party, will face off against a candidate from President Gustavo Petro's coalition, likely Iván Cepeda. The election will be a major test of Colombia's political direction following Petro's leftist government.