Colombia’s presidential runoff is generating controversy as recent polls suggest a surprisingly strong showing for right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. These polls indicate a 7% lead for de la Espriella, prompting his opponent, Iván Cepeda, to launch a negative campaign. Cepeda is accusing de la Espriella of links to paramilitary organizations, a claim mirroring past allegations. The shift in tactics follows a pattern of inaccurate pre-election polling in Colombia. Analysts suggest Cepeda’s move is a response to the unfavorable poll numbers. The runoff election is scheduled to take place within the next nine days, and the accusations are intensifying the political climate. The accuracy of pre-election surveys is once again under scrutiny.