Abelardo de la Espriella secured 43.74% of the vote in the first round of the Colombian presidential election.
Leftist candidate Iván Cepeda follows with 40.9% as the two prepare for a second-round runoff on June 21.
Incumbent President Gustavo Petro's administration faces criticism over the 'Paz Total' security policy and various political scandals.
The upcoming election highlights a deep divide between traditional conservative, far-right, and progressive political visions for Colombia.