In Colombia primaries, Paloma Valencia's strong performance complicates presidential race

"Her victory within the center-right bloc, with more than three million votes, threatens the leadership of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella in his bid to oust the left from power. While Valencia counted ballots by the thousands, the left-wing and center party primaries in which Roy Barreras and Claudia Lopez emerged victorious were lackluster, with a meager turnout that barely exceeded one million votes."

"The center-right is gaining momentum and opening up the field on a flank previously dominated by the far-right candidate from Barranquilla. And the surprising success of the economist Juan Daniel Oviedo, who has condemned the genocide in Gaza and avoided fierce criticism of President Gustavo Petro, opens a door for the traditional right to seek the center ground, which ultimately decides the election."

"On the left, Roy crashed with just over 200,000 votes and blames Petro for the debacle, accusing him of discouraging Colombians from voting in his primary. But the progressive movement is heading into the first round on May 31, leading the largest bloc in the Senate and less divided than expected."

Colombia's party primaries shifted the presidential race dynamics significantly. Senator Paloma Valencia, backed by former president Alvaro Uribe, won the center-right primary with over three million votes, challenging far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella's dominance. The left-wing and center primaries showed weak turnout with barely one million votes combined, with Roy Barreras and Claudia Lopez emerging as victors. Economist Juan Daniel Oviedo's surprising success suggests the traditional right can compete for center ground. Roy Barreras received only 200,000 votes, blaming President Gustavo Petro for discouraging primary participation. The left remains divided but leads the Senate with Ivan Cepeda as the frontrunner, though facing a polling ceiling.

Read at english.elpais.com