Colombia votes in crucial Presidential runoff amid security and economic concerns

Millions of Colombians headed to the polls on Sunday to choose their next President in a closely contested runoff election that has highlighted deep political divisions in the country.

Voters are choosing between conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda, a close ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro and a leading figure in Colombia's left-wing political movement.

The election is being held against a backdrop of rising violence, economic challenges and growing political polarisation. Both candidates have made security a central issue in their campaigns, promising different approaches to prevent Colombia from returning to the widespread violence.

According to an AP report, more than 41 million Colombians are eligible to vote in the decisive second round.

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Two different visions for Colombia

De la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer known by supporters as "The Tiger", has campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform. He has pledged to crack down on criminal groups and build 10 mega-prisons, drawing comparisons with the security policies of El Salvador.

His campaign has also received support from US President Donald Trump, strengthening his appeal among conservative voters.

Cepeda, meanwhile, has promised to continue many of Petro's policies, including efforts to negotiate with guerrilla groups and criminal organizations under the government's "total peace" strategy. He argues that dialogue remains the best path to ending decades of armed conflict.

The two candidates also differ on issues such as healthcare, public debt and corruption, offering voters sharply contrasting visions for the country's future.

In the first round of voting on May 31, de la Espriella secured 44 per cent of the vote, while Cepeda received 41 per cent.

Violence remains a major election issue

The runoff comes nearly a decade after Colombia signed a landmark peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), ending one of the longest-running insurgencies in the world.

However, violence has continued in many parts of the country as armed groups increasingly turned to drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

According to the report, Colombia recorded 14,780 homicides last year, the highest number since at least 2015. Cases of extortion have also surged, more than doubling compared to a decade ago.

The security situation has become a major concern for voters, many of whom fear a return to the era of bombings, kidnappings and armed conflict.

Tense campaign marks final stretch

The weeks leading up to the runoff have been marked by sharp exchanges between the candidates and allegations of fraud, intimidation and vote-buying.

According to the report, Cepeda has filed complaints with Colombia's Attorney General's Office, accusing de la Espriella of links to paramilitary groups. The conservative candidate has strongly denied the allegations.