The Colombian community in New York is deeply engaged in their country’s presidential runoff, with voters expressing strong preferences for both leading candidates. The election, set for June 21, 2026, has sparked intense debate and mobilization among the diaspora.
César Zuluaga, a 62-year-old Colombian resident in New York, proudly wore a black shirt featuring a tiger—a symbol that has become synonymous with conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. The tiger emblem represents De la Espriella’s tough stance on security and his promise to combat illegal armed groups.
Polarized Nation Chooses Between Continuity and Change
Colombia is at a crossroads, with voters faced with a stark choice between the progressive policies of Iván Cepeda and the conservative agenda of Abelardo de la Espriella. The country’s deep political divisions have raised concerns about potential post-election violence and social unrest.
John Manrique, a Bogotá-based lawyer, expressed his worries about the nation’s polarization. ‘In this moment, I’m concerned about the polarization between us: there are two very extreme sides, and violence worries me,’ he said. ‘I hope people accept whoever wins, no matter the side, and we work towards social consensus.’
Candidates Present Divergent Visions for Colombia
Iván Cepeda, a philosopher and former member of the Communist Party, promises to continue the social reforms initiated by President Gustavo Petro. His platform includes ambitious social programs and a commitment to peace negotiations with illegal armed groups.
Abelardo de la Espriella, known as ‘The Tiger,’ advocates for a tougher approach to security. He has pledged to build mega-prisons and crack down on ‘narcoterrorists,’ drawing comparisons to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s policies. De la Espriella, a Colombian-American, has received support from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Concerns About Election Integrity and Post-Election Violence
The election has been marred by accusations of vote-buying and potential fraud. President Petro initially refused to recognize the preliminary results, although Cepeda later acknowledged the official count. The Defensoría del Pueblo has urged political leaders to promote messages of confidence in the electoral process.
Gregorio Eljach, Colombia’s attorney general, assured the public that there is no evidence to doubt the election’s legitimacy. ‘There is no proof or argument that calls into question the legitimacy of the election we will hold,’ he stated, urging citizens to accept the results peacefully.
Colombian Community in New York Actively Participates
Since June 15, 2026, Colombian expats in New York have been casting their votes at the consulate in Manhattan. The community, one of the largest in the U.S., is deeply invested in the outcome of the election.
Yormary, a migrant from Medellín, expressed her desire to prevent Colombia from becoming ‘another Venezuela or Cuba.’ She believes that voting for De la Espriella is crucial to avoiding what she sees as the dangers of continued leftist rule.
Rubén Paz, a Bogotá native living in New York, holds a different view. He warns that De la Espriella’s victory could lead to increased violence and human rights abuses. ‘Cepeda guarantees peace; he is a decent politician,’ Paz asserted.
The Security Debate and the Return of Fear
The election has brought the issue of security to the forefront. Many Colombians, both in their home country and abroad, are concerned about the ongoing violence perpetrated by illegal armed groups.
Lorena Pizarro, a young Colombian who moved to New York in 2026, shared her experiences with the persistent violence in her home country. ‘One thing is living in Bogotá, and another is living in rural areas dominated by armed groups,’ she said, highlighting the challenges faced by many Colombians.
Analysts note that while the conflict has evolved since the 1990s, violence remains a significant issue. The debate over how to address security concerns has become a central theme in the election, with both candidates presenting starkly different approaches.
Voting from Afar: The Diaspora’s Role
Colombian expats in New York, like María Claudia Acosta and her husband Rodrigo, are exercising their right to vote despite living abroad for decades. They see the election as a crucial moment for their home country.
‘There’s a lot of people and long lines, but everything is well organized,’ María Claudia commented. ‘It’s worth taking the time because Colombia needs urgent changes.’
As the election approaches, the Colombian community in New York remains deeply engaged, with voters expressing a wide range of opinions and concerns about the future of their home country.
