Global Election Updates: Colombia & Peru

Colombia and Peru held presidential runoff elections that produced remarkably similar outcomes, with right wing candidates securing victories in both countries. Although the close results reflect deep political polarization, the elections signal a broader shift to the right – consistent with political trends across Latin America – that is expected to reshape each country’s domestic agenda and foreign policy toward the United States.

Colombia

On June 21, Colombia held the runoff of its presidential election, resulting in a tight victory of the right-wing candidate Abelardo De la Espriella who secure 49.66% of the vote over left-wing candidate from the incumbent Pacto Historico, Iván Cepeda, who got 48.70%. De la Espriella ran as an independent and cast himself as an outsider, tough he maintains close ties to traditional politicians in Colombia. His priorities include strengthening security, attracting foreign investment to foster economic growth, and rebuilding the bilateral relationship with the United States.

Even though De la Espriella does not have a majority in Congress, the opposition does not either. However, under Colombian law political parties have one month after the president’s inauguration to formally declare whether they will support the government, remain independent, or join the opposition. De la Espriella will therefore need to build a congressional coalition, to counter the Pacto Histórico and its alliances with other left-wing parties. The new Congress will be inaugurated on July 20, while De la Espriella is scheduled to be sworn in on August 7, 2026.

Peru

On June 7, Peru held the second round of its presidential election, with Keiko Fujimori of the right-wing Fuerza Popular securing 50.1% of the vote over candidate Roberto Sánchez of the left-wing Juntos por Perú who obtained 49.8%. While Sánchez performed strongly in rural areas, Fujimori prevailed in the capital and among overseas voters. Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, campaigned on combating crime and lowering food and energy prices amid growing public concerns over insecurity and inflation.

President-elect Fujimori is expected to restore political stability following a decade of presidential turnover that caused Peru to have eight presidents, thus failing to advance a sustained policy agenda. However, her ability to govern may be constrained by her party’s lack of a congressional majority, coupled with Sánchez’s pledge to lead a resistance coalition. Fujimori will replace interim president José María Balcázar on July 28 for a five-year term.