Colombia heads to the polls today in one of the most consequential presidential elections in recent memory, with voters choosing between two candidates offering dramatically different visions for the country’s future.

More than 41 million Colombians are eligible to vote in a runoff election between left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda and conservative lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella after neither candidate secured enough support to win outright in the first round.

The election comes at a critical moment for Colombia, as concerns over crime, public safety, economic challenges, and political polarization continue to dominate national debate.

De la Espriella, a political newcomer known as “The Tiger,” has built his campaign around law and order. He has promised a tough crackdown on criminal organizations, including the construction of mega-prisons inspired by the security policies implemented in El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele. His approach has attracted support from conservative voters frustrated by rising violence and insecurity.

Cepeda, meanwhile, is campaigning as the candidate of continuity, pledging to build on many of the policies introduced by President Gustavo Petro. He supports continued dialogue with armed groups and believes long-term peace can only be achieved through negotiation and social reforms rather than purely military solutions.

The election takes place nearly a decade after Colombia’s historic peace agreement with the FARC, a deal that once raised hopes of ending generations of conflict. While violence initially declined, many parts of the country have seen a resurgence of criminal activity linked to drug trafficking, extortion, and clashes between armed groups.

Security remains a major issue for voters. Colombia recorded nearly 15,000 homicides last year, while extortion cases have more than doubled compared to a decade ago. The assassination of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe earlier this year further intensified concerns about political violence.

With polls showing a deeply divided electorate, many Colombians are calling for calm regardless of the outcome. Sunday’s vote will determine not only who leads the country next, but also which path Colombia chooses in addressing some of its biggest challenges.

The result is expected to have significant implications across Latin America, where Colombia remains one of the region’s most influential economies and political voices.