Colombian Candidates Close Campaigns, Framing Election as 'Battle' and 'Just Cause'

Colombian presidential candidates Abelardo De la Espriella and Iván Cepeda wrapped up their final campaign rallies on Sunday, ahead of the June 21 runoff election. The closing events were marked by passionate speeches, with the ultrarightist De la Espriella framing the contest as a "spiritual battle" and the leftist Cepeda declaring he would govern "for a just cause."

“

What is happening in Nariño and Cauca constitutes a grave threat against democracy and electoral freedom. In more than 46 of the 64 municipalities of Nariño and in more than 36 municipalities of the 42 of Cauca, there is strong armed pressure from illegal groups on the population.

De la Espriella, representing the Defensores de la Patria movement and leading in the first round, closed his campaign in Buga, a city known for its religious significance. He sought divine guidance, denouncing alleged threats from illegal armed groups against his voters in the departments of Cauca and Nariño. He described the situation as a "grave threat against democracy and electoral freedom," pointing to specific regions where armed pressure coincides with areas where Cepeda performed strongly in the first round.

“

The heir of misgovernment and the FARC.

Meanwhile, Cepeda, from the Pacto Histórico party, concluded his campaign in Soledad, a traditional leftist stronghold near Barranquilla. Addressing a large crowd, he aimed to rally support for his vision of governance. The final pre-election poll released on Sunday indicated De la Espriella held a narrow lead, with 48.6% of voter intention compared to Cepeda's 44.7%, a gap of nearly four percentage points.

“

This campaign was a struggle that was much bigger than a candidate and an election, much bigger than a political party.

The election is seen as a stark choice between two distinct political visions for Colombia. De la Espriella's campaign has focused on security and a strong stance against armed groups, while Cepeda emphasizes social justice and continuity with the policies of the current president, Gustavo Petro, who also belongs to the Pacto Histórico.

“

I will govern for a just cause.