Colombia Voters Head to the Polls for Presidential Elections: Cepeda, de la Espriella, and Valencia face off

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro casts his vote during the presidential election at a polling station in Bogota on May 31, 2026. Colombians head to the polls in a presidential election that will determine the conflict-ridden nation's response to spiraling violence, either staying left and opting for dialogue or tacking right towards all-out war. (Credit: Photo by Luis ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Election day has arrived in Colombia. More than 41.4 million Colombians are eligible to cast a ballot today — Sunday, May 31, 2026 — to elect the next president and vice president of the Republic for the 2026–2030 term. The race to succeed outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a consecutive term, has been one of the most charged, violent, and consequential in recent Colombian history.

The day began before dawn with security forces taking up positions across the country. Attorney General Gregorio Eljach delivered a statement of calm early this morning, assuring citizens that all systems are in place for the voting to proceed without disruption. Registrar Hernán Peñagos, speaking at the opening of polling stations, told President Petro directly: "Mr. President, you can have absolute confidence in the results."