Paloma Valencia is in the news as Colombia’s right-wing senator driving the push amid a three-way race and coalition-building after recent congressional results. She’s a longtime U party senator, former university professor, known for hardline security and pro-market positions.
Colombia's legislative elections and presidential primaries are taking place amid security concerns and political fragmentation. Meanwhile, Mexico's Congress faces a vote on proposed reforms, with recent defections highlighting tensions within Morena. Both countries' votes will shape their political futures and coalition-building efforts.
Polls across Brazil, Colombia and Peru show tightening races ahead of upcoming elections. In Brazil, Lula and Bolsonaro remain neck and neck ahead of the October vote, with second-round dynamics shaping expectations. In Colombia, Cepeda leads in a potential June runoff, while Peru’s Fujimori and Sanchez are running closely in the first-round aftermath.
Colombia’s presidential election has been held amid renewed violence linked to dissident FARC factions, drone attacks, and political assassinations. Voters face a choice between continuing the government’s peace approach and a hardline security path as clashes and insecurity persist ahead of a potential runoff in June.
Abelardo de la Espriella has clinched the first round lead with 43.74% of the vote, while Iván Cepeda trails at 40.90%. A runoff is set for June 21 as neither candidate has won an outright majority. The result signals a shift toward the radical right, with Cepeda pursuing continuity of Petro’s policies.