Colombians will make a choice for president between a leftist former rebel and a populist businessman in a June runoff contest after none of the six candidates in Sunday’s first round received 50% of the vote. Petro has promised to make significant adjustments to the economy, including tax reform, and to change how Colombia fights drug cartels and other armed groups. AdvertisementThis was the second presidential election held since the government in 2016 signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC for its initials in Spanish. Candidates also focused on increasing violence, which the Red Cross in 2021 concluded had reached its highest level in five years. Petro and his running mate, Francia Márquez, upped their security significantly after denouncing threats made against them.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 30, 2022 10:16 UTC