Juan Daniel Oviedo announced he will not support Abelardo de la Espriella or Iván Cepeda in the upcoming Colombian presidential runoff [1].

Oviedo's decision removes a potential bloc of support from a former vice-presidential candidate and running mate of Paloma Valencia as the country prepares for the final vote. His refusal to align with either frontrunner complicates the efforts of both campaigns to consolidate voters before the runoff.

The second-round election is scheduled for June 21, 2026 [2]. The two candidates vying for the presidency enter the final stage following a tight first round, where Abelardo de la Espriella secured 43.73% of the vote [3] and Iván Cepeda earned 40.91% [3].

Oviedo said that he does not want to back a government that does not recognize election results [4]. He also expressed concerns regarding a candidate who would destroy certain sectors of the country [5].

"No respaldaré a Abelardo de la Espriella ni a Iván Cepeda para la segunda vuelta," Oviedo said [1].

Beyond his refusal to endorse a specific person, Oviedo called for a shift in how the candidates engage with the public. He argued that the current political process relies too heavily on private meetings, which he referred to as "cafés," rather than public discourse.

"Pido más debates entre los candidatos y no más cafés," Oviedo said [6].

The announcement follows a period of speculation regarding which way the former candidate would swing. By distancing himself from both the right and left options, Oviedo maintains a position of independence during a highly polarized electoral cycle.

“"No respaldaré a Abelardo de la Espriella ni a Iván Cepeda para la segunda vuelta."”

Oviedo's neutrality signals a refusal to participate in the traditional coalition-building process that typically follows a first-round vote. By prioritizing public debates over private negotiations and citing concerns over the legitimacy of results and sector stability, he is positioning himself as a critic of both major platforms, potentially leaving a segment of the electorate without a clear directive from their former leadership.