Colombia 2026 election race heats up as presidential hopefuls disagree on many of the key aspects and issues in the country. As Colombia moves closer to the 2026 presidential election, political debate is already intensifying around the issues that continue to dominate public concern: security, corruption, and health care.
Three political figures are emerging as early voices in the national conversation, each presenting sharply different visions for the country’s future. Senator Ivan Cepeda, attorney Abelardo De la Espriella, and Senator Paloma Valencia have begun outlining proposals aimed at convincing Colombians they offer the strongest path forward during a period of growing uncertainty and polarization.
Security remains one of the most urgent concerns for voters as armed groups expand operations in several regions and extortion and violence continue affecting local communities. Each candidate has responded with a distinct approach.
Ivan Cepeda, promoting the slogan “The Power of Truth,” argues that lasting security depends on fully implementing the Peace Agreement and increasing state presence in historically neglected territories. His strategy emphasizes what he calls “human security,” focusing on social investment, youth opportunities, and reducing inequality as long-term solutions to violence. Cepeda has also defended dialogue processes with armed groups under strict legal conditions.
Colombia 2026 election race heats up
Paloma Valencia, meanwhile, is advocating for a stronger law-and-order strategy. The conservative senator has repeatedly called for strengthening the armed forces and police through improved intelligence, technology, and operational support. Valencia also proposes tougher penalties for crimes such as kidnapping and extortion while defending legal protections for security forces operating against criminal organizations.
Attorney Abelardo de la Espriella has positioned himself as a hardline anti-crime candidate under his concept of a “Miracle Homeland.” His proposals include judicial reforms aimed at accelerating convictions, expanding prison capacity, and imposing zero-tolerance policies against organized crime and political corruption.
Corruption is another issue shaping the early campaign debate. Despite years of anti-corruption promises from governments across the political spectrum, public skepticism remains high.
Cepeda has focused his anti-corruption message on increasing transparency and strengthening oversight institutions. He supports stronger monitoring of public contracts, limiting the influence of powerful economic interests, and expanding citizen participation mechanisms to oversee government spending.
Valencia has centered her proposals on reducing bureaucracy and improving efficiency within the state. Her platform includes cutting unnecessary public spending, digitizing contracting systems to improve transparency, and increasing penalties for corrupt officials.
De la Espriella has also promised severe punishments for corruption while calling for institutional reforms to reduce political clientelism. He has publicly advocated eliminating judicial benefits for convicted officials and increasing financial accountability in public contracting.
Health care is one of the key issues
Health care has emerged as perhaps the most emotionally charged issue among voters, with millions of Colombians facing delayed treatments, medication shortages, and limited access to specialists.
Cepeda supports increasing state control over the health care system, strengthening public health centers, and reducing the role of EPS insurance intermediaries. Valencia, however, favors preserving private sector participation while improving efficiency, financial sustainability, and access to specialists and medications.
De la Espriella has focused his message on reducing bureaucracy and restoring public trust in the health care system, though he has yet to present a detailed policy plan.
As Colombia’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of 2026, voters appear increasingly focused on practical solutions rather than ideological rhetoric. The coming months are expected to reveal whether Colombians prefer hardline authority, social transformation, or a new model of institutional reform.
This video summarizes each candidate’s views on the key aspects of the Colombian reality: