Colombia's presidential election heads to runoff as de la Espriella and Cepeda dominate first round

De la Espriella and Cepeda advance to Colombia presidential runoff. (Photo/AP)

Colombia's presidential election has proceeded to a runoff after no candidate won an outright majority in the first round of voting, according to preliminary results released Sunday by electoral authorities.

With 96 percent of ballots counted, the country's National Civil Registry reported that Abelardo de la Espriella, who serves as the presidential nominee for the conservative National Salvation Movement, led the race with 43.62 percent of the vote.

Ivan Cepeda, a senator running under the banner of the ruling Pacto Historico coalition, placed second with 41.13 percent.

Preparation for June showdown

Paloma Valencia, the candidate of the Centro Democrático party founded by former President Alvaro Uribe, finished third with 6.86 percent of the vote.

Former Antioquia Governor Sergio Fajardo received 4.20 percent, while Raul Santiago Botero of the Destroy the System movement garnered 0.95 percent.

As no candidate surpassed the 50 percent threshold required to win outright, de la Espriella and Cepeda will advance to a runoff election scheduled for 21 June to determine Colombia's next president.

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Source: TRT