Colombia holds presidential election marred by violence

Colombians are voting for a new president after an election campaign marred by tension and violence.

About 41 million people are eligible to vote for the successor of left-wing President Gustavo Petro, who is constitutionally barred from running for a second term.

The campaigns were overshadowed by a series of attacks in which civilians, soldiers and police officers were killed or injured.

More than 400,000 soldiers and police are being deployed to monitor and secure the elections, according to El Tiempo newspaper.

Kristin Wesemann, head of the Colombia office of the German think tank Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), said Colombia was experiencing “one of the worst waves of violence in recent years.”

Fourteen candidates are running, but there are three that clearly stand out in recent polls.

Left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda from the ruling coalition is running against conservative Senator Paloma Valencia from former President Álvaro Uribe’s circle, while right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella is also standing.

If, according to current polls, none of the candidates can achieve an absolute majority, a second round will be held on June 21.

Parliamentary elections in March have already shown the depth of polarization in Colombia. Although Peter’s left-wing coalition became the strongest force in the Senate, no party achieved a clear majority.

This means the future president will have a difficult time negotiating a coalition.

Preliminary results are expected to be announced after voting ends.