The Colombian people will head to the polls in October 2023 to elect a new president. The race is shaping up to be a close one, with several candidates vying for the top spot.
The current president, Iván Duque, is not eligible to run for re-election. This has opened up the field to a number of new candidates, including former mayor of Bogotá Gustavo Petro, former governor of Antioquia Federico Gutiérrez, and independent candidate Rodolfo Hernández.
Petro is a leftist who has promised to implement a number of progressive policies, such as a universal basic income and a ban on fracking. Gutiérrez is a right-winger who has pledged to crack down on crime and corruption. Hernández is a populist who has promised to “clean up” Colombian politics.
The outcome of the election is uncertain. Petro is the frontrunner in the polls, but Gutiérrez and Hernández are gaining ground. The race could also go to a runoff if no candidate wins a majority of the vote in the first round.
The Colombian elections are a critical moment for the country. The next president will have a major impact on the future of Colombia, including its economy, its security, and its relationship with the United States.
The Issues
The Colombian elections are likely to be focused on a number of key issues, including:
- The economy: Colombia is currently experiencing a period of economic growth, but there are concerns about inequality and poverty. The next president will need to address these issues in order to ensure that all Colombians benefit from the country’s economic success.
- Security: Colombia is still struggling with violence from armed groups, such as the ELN and the FARC. The next president will need to find a way to reduce violence and improve security in the country.
- Drug trafficking: Colombia is a major producer of cocaine. The next president will need to find a way to reduce drug trafficking and its associated violence.
- Relations with the United States: Colombia has a close relationship with the United States. The next president will need to manage this relationship carefully in order to ensure that Colombia’s interests are protected.
The Candidates
The following are some of the leading candidates in the Colombian elections:
- Gustavo Petro: Petro is a former mayor of Bogotá and a member of the Colombian Communist Party. He is a leftist who has promised to implement a number of progressive policies, such as a universal basic income and a ban on fracking.
- Federico Gutiérrez: Gutiérrez is a former governor of Antioquia and a member of the right-wing Centro Democrático party. He is a conservative who has pledged to crack down on crime and corruption.
- Rodolfo Hernández: Hernández is a businessman and a former mayor of Bucaramanga. He is an independent candidate who has promised to “clean up” Colombian politics.
The Future
The outcome of the Colombian elections is uncertain. Petro is the frontrunner in the polls, but Gutiérrez and Hernández are gaining ground. The race could also go to a runoff if no candidate wins a majority of the vote in the first round.
The next president of Colombia will have a major impact on the future of the country. The elections are a critical moment for Colombia, and the outcome will have implications for the country’s economy, security, and relationship with the United States.
