Was Live Friday, June 12, 2026 | 11am PST
Overview
On June 21, Colombians will return to the polls for a presidential runoff election that many observers consider one of the most consequential in the country’s recent history. The contest between Iván Cepeda of Pacto Histórico and Abelardo de la Espriella of Salvación Nacional has sparked intense debate over the future of Colombian democracy, the implementation of peace agreements, land rights, migration, and the country’s role in Latin America.
For journalists covering the Americas, the stakes extend far beyond Colombia’s borders. The election comes at a critical moment for a nation that has spent decades grappling with armed conflict, displacement, and political polarization. The outcome could have significant implications for democratic governance, human rights, migration patterns, and regional stability throughout the hemisphere.
Related Coverage
- A Country ‘Gripped by Fear’ — What Follows in the Wake of Colombia’s Elections
- YouTube Playlist | Highlight Clips from Briefing
Guest Speakers
- Beatriz Magaloni, Professor of Political Science and Senior Fellow, Stanford University. Director, Poverty, Violence, and Governance Lab; Co-Director, Democracy Action Lab
- Alex Sierra, Anthropologist, Centro de Estudios Sociojurídicos Latinoamericanos (CESJUL)
- Manuel Ortiz, Sociologist, Documentary Photographer, and Journalist Audiovisual Consultant, Democracy Action Lab, Stanford University
Presented by ACoM
Cover Image Credit: Canva Photos
