Colombia's May 31 Vote Will Decide Fossil-Fuel Phaseout or Extractivist Revival
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 21
Colombia's May 31 Vote Will Decide Fossil-Fuel Phaseout or Extractivist Revival
5 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 21
May 31's presidential election will determine whether Colombia extends Gustavo Petro's climate agenda under Pacto Historico candidate Iván Cepeda or shifts back toward fracking, mining and expanded oil production under right-wing rivals.
Polls suggest Cepeda may lead the first round but fall short of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff, where either Paloma Valencia or Abelardo De La Espriella would be favored.
That stakes Colombia's role as an international climate leader: Petro's government pushed fossil-fuel phaseout into global diplomacy, while environmentalists warn a right-wing win could weaken the Santa Marta transition alliance.
The contest also reflects domestic strains, with illegal mining, deforestation, armed-group control and congressional resistance blunting Petro's record even as GDP stayed positive and environmental issues gained political weight.
Trump's talk of military intervention and persistent death threats against activists have sharpened fears that a loss would align Colombia more closely with extractive politics across the region.
Will Colombia's election dismantle its global climate leadership for a new era of oil and fracking?
Can the next president break the deadly link between illegal mining, armed groups, and murdered environmental activists?
Colombia at a Crossroads: The 2026 Election’s Impact on Energy Transition, Security, and International Standing
Overview
Colombia's presidential election on May 31, 2026, stands as a pivotal referendum on the country's energy future. Voters must choose between continuing the phaseout of fossil fuels or returning to a traditional extractivist model. If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will follow in June. This decision comes as Colombia has recently taken a leading role in global climate discussions, highlighted by hosting the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. The outcome will not only shape Colombia's energy policy but also its position as a climate leader on the world stage.