Iván Cepeda leads the voting intention for Colombia's interparty presidential consultations according to a recent Invamer poll [1].
These results are critical as they signal the likely contenders for the first round of the presidential election and suggest a highly competitive race. The data reflects a fragmented political landscape where multiple candidates are vying for a mandate to lead the nation.
In a poll conducted on Feb. 25, 2026, Cepeda obtained 18.2% of the voting intention [1]. This placement puts him ahead of Abelardo De la Espriella, though other candidates such as Paloma Valencia and Claudia López have also entered the fray [1], [2].
The polling data highlights a significant trend in public sentiment. According to reports, 67.1% of Colombians believe the country is on the wrong path [3]. This widespread dissatisfaction often drives voter volatility and creates opportunities for candidates who position themselves as agents of change.
Invamer also measured voting intentions for the interparty consultations on March 8, 2026 [2]. While that specific measurement confirmed Cepeda's lead, it did not provide a new exact percentage for his support [2].
The competition remains tight between Cepeda, De la Espriella, and Valencia. The movement of these figures indicates that no single candidate has secured a dominant lead, which may lead to a contested second-round runoff if the trend continues through the general election cycle.
“Iván Cepeda obtained 18.2% of voting intention”
The combination of Cepeda's lead and the high percentage of citizens who believe the country is failing suggests a climate of instability. When a supermajority of the electorate expresses dissatisfaction, the political window opens for populist or reformist platforms. The narrow gap between the top candidates indicates that the interparty consultations will be decisive in consolidating the vote, potentially setting the stage for a polarized general election.
