Ruptly
"Colombia’s national registrar, Hernan Penagos, praised high voter participation in Sunday’s presidential election and confirmed that the country is heading to a runoff on June 21. Speaking after polls closed, Penagos said around 2.4 million more people had voted than in the first round of the presidential election four years ago, calling the figure a sign of Colombians’ democratic commitment. "I want to first highlight the broad citizen participation in this electoral process. The way so many people from different parts of the world have accompanied this day and can attest to a democratic, transparent, and free day," he said. With no candidate winning the 50 percent needed for a first-round victory, Penagos said it was 'already clear' that a second round would be held on June 21. Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist senator Ivan Cepeda will face each other in the runoff. With almost all polling stations counted, de la Espriella led with around 43.7 percent of the vote, while Cepeda followed with around 40.9 percent. Paloma Valencia finished third with around 6.9 percent, while Sergio Fajardo received about 4.3 percent, leaving Colombia facing a polarised second round between the country’s two main political blocs. The result marks a surprise first-place finish for de la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer and political outsider running on a hardline security platform. Cepeda, a longtime senator and ally of President Gustavo Petro, is campaigning on peace negotiations, social reform and continuity with parts of the current government’s agenda."
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