Presidential elections are underway in Colombia, results could affect relations with the US - media
Kyiv • UNN
Colombia is electing a president, which will impact relations with the US and the fight against drugs. The elections are taking place against a backdrop of a surge in violence and the deaths of 21 people.
Presidential elections have begun in Colombia, the results of which will determine the country's new head of state. It is expected that the outcome of the vote could influence the country's foreign policy course and its relations with the United States. This is reported by the BBC, according to UNN.
Details
Colombia is heading to the polls to elect a new president.
According to the publication, the vote is taking place after several months of public mutual accusations between the incumbent President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump.
It is noted that the disputes concerned a range of issues, including the fight against drug trafficking and American intervention in the region.
Petro cannot run for re-election and has endorsed Iván Cepeda. He is being challenged by right-wing candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia. The election results could redefine which countries the Latin American nation aligns with and how the government intends to combat drug traffickers amid growing violence,
Polling stations opened at 08:00 local time and will remain open until 16:00.
At the same time, the publication notes that none of the candidates are likely to secure an absolute majority of votes in the first round.
In such a case, a second round of elections could take place on June 21.
As a reminder
In the southwestern part of Colombia, a series of attacks on civilian and military targets was recorded on the eve of the presidential elections. As a result of the surge in violence, 21 people were killed.