On Sunday, Colombians will head to the polls in an election many see as a vital test for the Latin American left, amid a regional rise of right-wing leadership influenced by leaders like Donald Trump.

The race has come down to a clear choice between two main candidates: Iván Cepeda, a leftist senator, and Abelardo De La Espriella, a far-right newcomer.

Iván Cepeda: The Left’s Candidate

Iván Cepeda represents continuity with current President Gustavo Petro, an outspoken leftist limited to a single term. A victory for Cepeda would align Colombia with other major Latin American countries with leftist governments, such as Mexico and Brazil. These nations also face important elections this year. Cepeda’s campaign events are marked by high security, reflecting the tense political climate.

Abelardo De La Espriella: The Right’s Outsider

Abelardo De La Espriella is a lawyer, known for his strong rhetoric and lack of political experience. His campaign promises include building 10 mega-prisons, drawing comparisons to El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, another controversial leader with ties to Trump. De La Espriella’s popularity has surged, partially eclipsing his rival, Paloma Valencia.

Paloma Valencia: The Conservative Competitor

Paloma Valencia, a conservative senator, would be Colombia’s first female president if elected. Despite endorsements from former President Álvaro Uribe and other influential figures, her campaign has struggled to keep pace with the momentum of De La Espriella in recent weeks.

As Colombians prepare to vote, the outcome of this election could significantly impact the political orientation of one of the region’s major countries.