Panama’s Colombian Citizens Vote to Elect a President in the Second Round

Colombian citizens residing in Panama are called to participate this Sunday, June 21, in the second round of the presidential and vice-presidential elections of Colombia, a day in which the next leader of the South American country will be defined.  The election pits Abelardo de la Espriella, the far-right candidate, against the left-wing candidate backed by the ruling party, Iván Cepeda. Voters will choose between these two candidates for President and Vice President of Colombia. 

Approximately 28,200 Colombian citizens are eligible to vote in Panama. Thirty-eight polling stations are open for Colombian citizens to vote in Panama

The Colombian Consul General in Panama City, José Antonio Soto, announced that the electoral process will take place at the Plaza Paitilla Inn Hotel and will run from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  For this day, 38 polling stations have been set up for citizens included in the electoral register.  According to data released by the Consulate General of Colombia in Panama City, there are 26,204 registered voter ID cards for the 2026 presidential elections, compared to 18,690 registered in 2022, representing an increase of 40.2%. 

A Fractured Colombia Reaches its Decisive Runoff Election

Colombia heads into Sunday’s presidential runoff as a country not only polarized but fractured. Far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella appears to be the favorite to succeed Gustavo Petro, but the race with the left-wing government candidate, Iván Cepeda, remains wide open, and the outcome is still uncertain. Whoever wins will inherit a deeply divided society, marked by high levels of confrontation and political tension. The surprises of the first round: