Iván Cepeda will run for president as a pre-candidate of the Historic Pact.

Iván Cepeda announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections. The senator formalized his presidential bid during an event in the city of Pasto (Nariño), where he shared the reasons behind his decision.

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"From Nariño, a land of historic struggles and collective construction among alternative forces, surrounded by social leaders, women, and youth, I come to present my name to the Colombian people as the Historic Pact's pre-candidate for the Presidency of the Republic," Cepeda said.

The congressman stated that his intention to run for the Casa de Nariño is a result of collective will. "I don't understand politics as a mere exercise of personal aspirations, but rather as a commitment to just causes and the mandate of the people," he emphasized.

The now presidential candidate also emphasized that his goal is to continue the government program of the Historic Pact , to "advance decisively in other social reforms."

Regarding the main thrust of his campaign, he stated that the public will be the ones to decide which reforms to prioritize. He also affirmed that if elected, he will continue to champion a negotiated solution to the war and combat all forms of corruption.

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In that regard, he added , "From day one, I have clearly announced that I will be implacable against any form of corruption. First and foremost, to those who join me in this campaign and, if the people so decide, in government: I demand absolute integrity and transparency."

Along those same lines, Cepeda emphasized his commitment to democracy and respect for institutions, while defending the need to strengthen citizen participation mechanisms.

"I will respect institutions, public powers, and their independence. But at the same time, I will defend and promote all forms of democratic participation: the right of citizens and the masses to express themselves, to criticize, to mobilize in a permanent, peaceful, and organized manner," he added.

Iván Cepeda presented his pre-candidacy after his own party, the Democratic Pole, as well as other leftist sectors, urged him to run in the elections. This, considering that his political image has been gaining more weight following the conviction of former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez.

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