Julia Symmes Cobb

BOGOTA, (Reuters) – Colombians voted Sunday for a president. The candidates included a former rebel who promised generous social programs and a middle-right candidate that warned against a leftist model of economic development.

Gustavo Petro (leftist, former mayor of Bogota, member of M-19guerrilla group, current senator) is leading opinion polls, with 40% support. That’s ten more than he would require to be elected president without another June round.

On the promise to reduce inequality, redistribute pensions and offer free public universities, the 62-year old has received backing.

Federico Gutierrez (the center-right ex-mayor of Medellin), is his main rival. He has about 25% support.

Gutierrez has stressed his plans to provide basic income to 5 million families, economic growth at 5% annually, and better government spending to counter accusations that he was an ideological successor of President Ivan Duque.

Gutierrez (47) has stated that Petro is a danger to democracy, and warned of the economic plans of the leftists, which include a ban for new oil and gaz projects and a ban on all future oil and gas production.

With around 20% support, Rodolfo Hernandez (construction magnate) is third in the six way race.

Hernandez is an independent entrepreneur known for his whimsical videos on social media, which include him riding an electric bike and making anti-corruption pledges. An ongoing probe is underway into Hernandez’s involvement in a bid to benefit the company his son lobbyed for. He denies any wrongdoing.

After candidates raised concerns over irregularities in March’s legislative election, which were categorised by electoral officials as procedural errors, the country’s Register has stated that there is no chance of electoral fraud.

The polls open at 8 AM local time, and will close at 4 PM (2100 GMT). Officials expect results to be available around four hours after the deadline.