Colombia votes for new president with healthcare system on verge of collapse as main concern

Colombia will hold on Sunday 31 May the first round of the presidential elections that will determine the succession of President Gustavo Petro for the 2026-2030 term, with an electoral roll of 41,287,084 voters and healthcare emerging as the electorate's main concern, according to opinion polls.

The national health system is going through its most severe crisis in decades: pharmacies are denying medications, hospitals are closing services, and specialist appointments are indefinitely postponed.

A possible runoff would be held on 21 June if none of the fourteen candidates surpasses 50% of the vote. ...