Colombian leftist candidate Cepeda votes, confident of first-round win

Leftist presidential candidate Iván Cepeda cast his vote in Bogotá, expressing strong confidence in securing victory in the first round of Colombia's elections. Representing the ruling Pacto Histórico party, Cepeda aims to extend the progressive policies initiated by current President Gustavo Petro.

Cepeda, accompanied by supporters and campaign members, including Senator María José Pizarro, voted at Colegio San Lucas in southern Bogotá. He greeted a crowd of enthusiastic supporters and journalists before casting his ballot. "To the citizens: we have come to exercise our right to choose a different future and destiny for Colombia, to deepen the changes we have had in these years of government," Cepeda stated after voting, emphasizing his belief that the day would culminate in the election of Colombia's second progressive government.

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To the citizens: we have come to exercise our right to choose a different future and destiny for Colombia, to deepen the changes we have had in these years of government.

He urged citizens to exercise their right to vote peacefully and respectfully, hoping the day would consolidate democracy in Colombia. "In these years, the political consciousness of the citizens and the people has been raised. So today we want this to be a day of democracy, of peaceful, hopefully cordial, very respectful exercise of everyone's rights to choose freely and with conscience," Cepeda added. He also called on his opponents to uphold the legitimacy of the electoral process.

National Registrar's Office data shows 118,346 voting tables across 13,489 polling stations nationwide. While polls position Cepeda as the frontrunner, they also suggest he may not secure the necessary majority for a first-round win. The projections indicate a probable second round on June 21 between Cepeda and the leading right-wing candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella.

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In these years, the political consciousness of the citizens and the people has been raised. So today we want this to be a day of democracy, of peaceful, hopefully cordial, very respectful exercise of everyone's rights to choose freely and with conscience.