Colombians to vote for president amid widespread discontent

Presidential candidate Gustavo Petro, of the Historical Pact coalition, waves to supporters during a campaign rally in Fusagasuga, Colombia (Fernando Vergara/AP)

Colombians emerging from the coronavirus pandemic are voting for their next president, choosing from six candidates who all promise various degrees of change amid rising inequality, inflation, violence and a discontent with the status quo.

The ballot includes former rebel Gustavo Petro, who could become Colombia’s first leftist president on Sunday if he can get the 50% of the votes needed to win in the first round. If no-one gets more than half of the votes, a run-off will be held between the top two candidates.