It’s an exciting day in Colombia as citizens head to the polls to vote for a new president. The two front-runners are former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos and former Bogota Mayor Antanas Mockus of the Green Party.

Santos, backed by outgoing President Alvaro Uribe, had a slight lead in opinion polls going into Sunday’s voting, but the unconventional Mockus is expected to force him into a runoff election in June. –JCL

The BBC:

Colombians are going to the polls to vote for a new president in a contest that is expected to be close.

The popular incumbent, Alvaro Uribe, is standing down after two terms.

Former Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos, who is supported by Mr Uribe, has a slight lead in opinion polls.

However he faces a strong challenge from former Bogota Mayor Antanas Mockus of the Green Party. A run-off between the two candidates is expected on 20 June.

Read more

WAIT BEFORE YOU GO...

This year, the ground feels uncertain — facts are buried and those in power are working to keep them hidden. Now more than ever, independent journalism must go beneath the surface.

At Truthdig, we don’t just report what's happening — we investigate how and why. We follow the threads others leave behind and uncover the forces shaping our future.

Your tax-deductible donation fuels journalism that asks harder questions and digs where others won’t.

Don’t settle for surface-level coverage.

Unearth what matters. Help dig deeper.

Donate now.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG