As Colombia heads toward a decisive presidential runoff, security has become the country's most explosive political issue.
For many voters, the debate is no longer just about the economy or social reforms. It's about who can control the armed groups that still influence large parts of the country.
Current president Gustavo Petro entered office promising a strategy known as "Total Peace," opening negotiations with guerrillas, criminal organizations and armed factions. Supporters argue the policy reduced some confrontations and created channels for dialogue.

Critics say the opposite happened.
They claim several groups expanded their influence while talks were taking place, increasing their presence in remote regions and strengthening illegal economies linked to drug trafficking, extortion and illegal mining.

That controversy now dominates the 2026 presidential race.
Who are the main armed groups?
The most influential organizations today include the ELN (National Liberation Army), the largest remaining left-wing guerrilla force in Colombia, along with multiple dissident factions that rejected or abandoned the 2016 FARC peace agreement.

Another major player is the Clan del Golfo, widely considered Colombia's most powerful criminal organization. Recent reports suggest the group has grown significantly in both manpower and territorial reach.

While these groups have different origins and ideologies, they often compete over strategic corridors used for trafficking routes and local control.

Why are elections connected to them?
Security concerns have overshadowed the campaign.

Several candidates have promised tougher military operations and a stronger state presence in conflict zones. Others argue that abandoning negotiations could trigger a new cycle of violence.

In a surprising development, some armed organizations announced temporary ceasefires around the election period, saying civilians should be able to vote without interference.

The announcements sparked mixed reactions.

Some Colombians viewed them as a positive gesture. Others saw them as evidence that armed groups still possess enough power to influence national conversations.

A conflict with deep roots
Colombia's armed conflict stretches back more than half a century.

During the 1960s, left-wing guerrilla groups emerged in rural areas where state institutions were weak. In later decades, paramilitary organizations appeared, claiming to fight insurgencies while becoming deeply involved in violence themselves.

The rise of cocaine trafficking transformed the conflict even further.

Money from the drug trade fueled guerrillas, criminal networks and paramilitary structures, creating one of the most complex internal conflicts in modern Latin American history.

The 2016 peace agreement with the FARC was celebrated worldwide, but it did not eliminate all armed actors.

Today, many communities still face displacement, threats and clashes between rival organizations.

What happens next?
The next Colombian president will inherit one of the most difficult security situations in years.

Whether the country continues negotiations or shifts toward a harder security doctrine could shape Colombia's future for the next decade.

For millions of Colombians, the question isn't only who wins the election.

It's whether the next government can finally reduce the influence of armed groups that have shaped the country's history for generations.

What do you think: can peace talks still work, or is a completely new approach needed?

👉 READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE " Commenta La Notizia " BLOG 👇
https://commenta-la-notizia.blogspot.com/2026/06/colombia-gruppi-armati-elezioni-presidenziali-2026.html

Subscribe and vote for all articles 👇
https://www.publish0x.com/?a=xkazKWYYbJ

© 2026 Commenta la Notizia - All rights reserved
Official sources used under fair use

📺 Follow Commenta La Notizia for deeper insights, global analysis, and fearless discussions about the issues that shape our world — from politics and technology to society and the hidden forces behind the headlines.
⚠️ Legal Notice This article and the related multimedia content are the exclusive property of the author. Copying, reproduction, distribution, or modification in any form or on any platform is prohibited without written permission.
Copyright © CondividiSulWeb – YouTube Commenta La Notizia

👤 Author: @condividisulweb

✍️ Commenta La Notizia is my editorial project created to provide clear and engaging insights into news, events, and major current issues.
Every article, video, and short is made with a clear goal: not only to inform, but also to give context, reflection points, and analysis to understand not just what happens, but especially why it happens.
With Commenta La Notizia I want to build a reliable and accessible space where everyone can get informed, understand, and join the discussion.
🌐 If you want to stay updated, you can follow me here.
💬 Your opinion matters! Every piece of news is a chance to discuss: share your thoughts and make your voice heard.
📰 Comment, share, stay informed.

🙏 Thank you for reading: your time and your opinion are the true value

✍️ SUPPORT FREE INFORMATION✍️

⚠️REMEMBER, YOU CAN VOTE ON ALL ARTICLES EVERY HOUR
AND REGISTER FOR FREE TO VOTE!⚠️

👇👇👇👇 😍 HELP GROW MY PASSION😍 👇👇👇👇

Publish0x Blog

Official Blog (Original Complete Articles)

Blurt Blog

Facebook Page

Youtube Channel

Telegram Channel