Colombia’s June 21 presidential runoff between Sen. Iván Cepeda, an ally of President Gustavo Petro, and lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, whom former U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed, presents voters with a stark choice over the future of the Amazon rainforest, fossil fuel development and the rights of Indigenous communities, the Associated Press reported.
The runoff follows a first round in which neither candidate cleared 50% of the vote, with de la Espriella leading. Cepeda, a senator from Petro’s coalition, represents a continuation of the current administration’s environmental policies. Under Petro, Colombia emerged as one of the world’s most vocal advocates for protecting the Amazon and transitioning away from oil, gas and coal — the main drivers of climate change, according to AP.
De la Espriella, a lawyer with a far-right platform, has taken a different stance, emphasizing economic growth and energy development. Trump endorsed de la Espriella during the campaign, signaling alignment with the candidate’s approach to resource extraction and skepticism of international climate agreements.
The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Colombia’s Amazon region, which covers roughly one-third of the country’s territory. The rainforest has faced increasing threats from deforestation, illegal mining and oil exploration. Indigenous communities in the Amazon have been among the most vocal groups calling for stronger environmental protections and recognition of their territorial rights, according to AP.
Petro, who took office in 2022, made environmental protection a centerpiece of his administration. His government halted new oil and gas exploration permits and pursued a “total peace” strategy that included negotiations with armed groups operating in the Amazon. However, his policies have faced resistance from the energy industry and political opponents who argue that fossil fuel revenues are essential for the country’s economy.
The election also occurs against a backdrop of heightened political violence. In May, a former mayor allied with de la Espriella was killed during the campaign, raising concerns about security around the vote.