Large security deployment, ahead of Colombia's presidential runoff

Bogota reinforces security at Corferias, Colombia's largest polling center, with a large deployment of military and police forces ahead of the presidential election to be held on June 21st.

Authorities aim to guarantee order, voter safety, and the smooth running of the elections in the nation's capital. The election is a high-stakes, deeply polarized face-off between two vastly different candidates looking to succeed President Gustavo Petro.

Abelardo de la Espriella, is a far-right political outsider and lawyer running on a hardline, punitive security agenda to combat crime and armed groups. Another is Iván Cepeda, a prominent leftist Senator representing the ruling Historic Pact coalition, pushing for continuity of Petro’s social reforms.