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Politics

Ex-Rebel, Conservative, Outsider Vie for Colombia Presidency

  • Nation’s pro-business economic model at stake in election
  • Polls have closed nationwide, results expected shortly
Gustavo Petro departs a polling location during the first-round presidential election in Bogota, Colombia, on May 29.

Gustavo Petro departs a polling location during the first-round presidential election in Bogota, Colombia, on May 29.

Photographer: Nathalia Angarita/Bloomberg
Updated on

Colombians voted Sunday in an unpredictable presidential election that pits an ex-guerrilla, a conservative former mayor and a wild card anti-establishment business magnate against each other in a contest that may not be decided until a runoff next month.

Polls closed at 4 p.m. local time with results expected shortly. Voting is not obligatory but a stronger turnout could benefit Petro who is popular among younger Colombians. A holiday Monday may also impact participation numbers.