Over 41.4 million Colombians are heading to the polls to choose the successor to President Gustavo Petro, who is barred from re-election. Voting will take place from 8 AM to 4 PM local time. Alongside the president, a new vice president will also be elected.

The elections occur amid political violence, marked by the murder of Miguel Uribe Turbay and threats to other candidates. Illegal armed groups are also vying for control of key regions significant for drug trafficking and illegal economies.

Key Candidates in the Race

According to polls, the candidates with the highest support include:

• Iván Cepeda: A senator and candidate for the Pacto Histórico, the political alliance led by current President Gustavo Petro.
• Paloma Valencia: A senator running for the opposition party Centro Democrático.
• Abelardo de la Espriella: A candidate from the citizen movement Defensores de la Patria.

Other candidates include Claudia López, Sergio Fajardo, Roy Leonardo Barreras, Mauricio Lizcano, and Miguel Uribe Londoño, who entered the race following the assassination of his son. Former candidates Carlos Caicedo and Luis Gilberto Murillo have withdrawn to support Iván Cepeda, though their names remain on the ballots.

Petro’s Message to Voters

President Petro urged voters to determine Colombia’s future by voting without undue influence. He emphasized, If anyone offers money for a vote… or if an employer threatens workers to vote for a specific candidate, those are crimes. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding votes, urging citizens to monitor the process to prevent fraud. The president also questioned the electoral technology, advocating for state ownership to avoid third-party interference.

Early Voting Activity in Bogotá

At various polling stations in Bogotá, voters queued before the doors opened at 8 AM. The polls will close at 4 PM.

Mocktails Add Flavor to Election Day

Restaurants in Bogotá got creative due to the alcohol ban before the elections. Non-alcoholic cocktails named after presidential candidates became available:

• Pacto Pop: Featuring tonic water and cranberry, apple, rosemary, and lemon juice, inspired by Iván Cepeda.
• Tigre Tonic: A mix of tonic water and lemon, representing Abelardo de la Espriella.
• Paloma Sour: A combination of tonic, mandarin snow, and cucumber syrup, in honor of Paloma Valencia.
• For the undecided: Indie Blanco with tonic, cranberry juice, kiwi syrup, and lemon snow.

Elections Amidst Political Division

This election presents Colombians with a choice between consolidating President Gustavo Petro’s progressive agenda or reversing it. Despite Petro’s inability to run for re-election, his policies continue to be a pivotal political topic. Iván Cepeda leads the progressive front, whereas conservative candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia appeal to those favoring tougher stances against illegal groups and drug traffickers.

According to political analyst Sergio Guzmán, Colombia remains deeply divided on social, economic, and political issues. Petro’s tenure has been polarizing, enjoying around 40% approval while facing significant opposition.