Welligence Colombia Politics | Colombia heads to election run-off as pro oil & gas de la Espriella takes surprise lead
June 1, 2026
Colombia’s 2026 presidential election heads to a run-off after no candidate reached a 50% majority on polling day (31 May 2026). Against expectations, Abelardo de la Espriella (Defensores de la Patria) came on top with 43.7% of the vote; Pacto Historico continuity candidate Ivan Cepeda came second with 40.9%. The result defies virtually all pre-election polling, which had placed Cepeda ahead.