Colombia Launches Presidential Campaign Ahead of May

Bogotá: Colombia officially launched its presidential campaign on March 1, 2026, with multiple candidates presenting their platforms to a polarized electorate and an economy that grew just 1.8% in 2025. The May 25 elections are shaping up to be the most contested in decades, with polls showing a technical tie between the two leading candidates.

Keiko Fujimori, the center-right candidate with the most poll support, presented an economic plan focused on tax cuts, attracting foreign investment, and tightening security policy. Roberto Sánchez, from the Pacto Histórico, promises to continue and deepen the social reforms initiated under Gustavo Petro, including universal healthcare and land reform.

The Issues Dominating the Campaign

Public insecurity tops Colombian concerns, with FARC dissident armed groups continuing to operate in rural areas despite the 2016 peace agreement. The economy, especially youth unemployment exceeding 20%, and the Venezuelan migration crisis, which has brought more than 2 million migrants to the country, complete the picture of challenges the next government will face.

Candidates also debate policy toward Venezuela: Fujimori promises to cut relations with Rodríguez if the Venezuelan government does not set a clear electoral date, while Sánchez advocates keeping diplomatic channels open to facilitate the transition.

International Participation

The international community is closely following the process. The OAS electoral observation mission is already deployed, and the European Union has confirmed sending an observer mission. The United States has indicated it expects a transparent process and will evaluate bilateral relations according to the democratic quality of the elections.