Colombia's 2026 presidential election faces HIV drug shortage and global calls for peaceful transition

A shortage of antiretroviral medicines for HIV patients has been reported across Colombia ahead of the presidential election. The NGO Red Somos says reserves will run out by June‑July, leaving many uninsured people without treatment. The shortage is tied to a 66 % cut in public financing for the EPS health‑insurance system.

The first round of voting took place on 31 May 2026, with a runoff on 21 June. Ultra‑right candidate Abelardo Gabriel de la Espriella Otero won the runoff with about 49.6 % of the vote against left‑wing contender Iván Cepeda (48.7 %). He is slated to assume the presidency on 7 August. Incumbent leftist President Gustavo Petro, barred from re‑election, has questioned the result and initially delayed the official handover.

The United States, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and several Caribbean and Latin‑American nations issued a joint statement urging Colombian authorities to respect the constitution and ensure a smooth, democratic transfer of power. Former US President Donald Trump, despite his own past election‑fraud claims, publicly called for a constitutional transition in Colombia.