New Elections in Colombia and Peru

Jun 6, 2026, 18:51
Latin AmericaPolitics
A2

New Elections in Colombia and Peru

哥倫比亞與秘魯的新選舉

Introduction

Colombia and Peru have new elections. Many people now like right-wing leaders. These leaders want to work closely with the United States.

哥倫比亞與秘魯正舉行新選舉。許多人現在傾向於右翼領導人，這些領導人希望與美國緊密合作。

Main Body

The US and some Latin American countries now work together on security. They want to stop crime. The US is more active in these countries now.

美國與部分拉丁美洲國家目前在安全方面合作，他們希望打擊犯罪。美國現在在這些國家更加積極。

In Colombia, two men are in the final election. Abelardo de la Espriella wants strong police and big prisons. Iván Cepeda wants to protect nature and help farmers.

在哥倫比亞，有兩名男性進入最終輪選舉。Abelardo de la Espriella 想要強力的警察與大型監獄。Iván Cepeda 則希望保護自然並幫助農民。

In Peru, Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez are in the final election. Fujimori wants old, strong rules for money and safety. Sánchez wants to change the laws of the country.

在秘魯，Keiko Fujimori 與 Roberto Sánchez 進入最終輪選舉。Fujimori 想要恢復以往強而有力的財政與安全規則。Sánchez 則希望改變國家的法律。

Conclusion

These elections will show if the region stays right-wing or stays divided.

這些選舉將顯示該地區會維持右翼傾向，還是會繼續分裂。

Vocabulary Learning

🌍 Who wants what?

In this text, we see a pattern for describing people's goals. When we talk about what a person wants, we use this simple map:

Person →\rightarrow Wants →\rightarrow Thing/Action

Example 1: Abelardo →\rightarrow wants →\rightarrow strong police. Example 2: Iván →\rightarrow wants →\rightarrow to protect nature.

💡 A2 Tip: The 'To' Bridge If the 'want' is followed by an action (a verb), we must add to in the middle.

  • Wrong: He wants protect nature. ❌
  • Right: He wants to protect nature. ✅

Quick Word Bank:

  • Strong (Power/Force) ↔\leftrightarrow Divided (Split/Different)
  • Protect (Keep safe)
  • Change (Make different)

Vocabulary Learning

elections (n.)
The process of voting to choose a leader
Example:The country has elections every four years.
security (n.)
The state of being free from danger
Example:The airport has very strict security.
crime (n.)
An action that is against the law
Example:The police want to stop crime in the city.
prisons (n.)
Buildings where criminals are kept
Example:The government is building new prisons.
protect (v.)
To keep someone or something safe
Example:We must protect the forest from fire.
divided (adj.)
Split into two or more different groups
Example:The family was divided about which car to buy.
B2

Right-Wing Political Shifts and U.S. Influence in Colombia and Peru

哥倫比亞與秘魯的右翼政治轉向與美國影響力

Introduction

Colombia and Peru are currently holding presidential runoff elections. These elections show a clear trend toward right-wing populism and a stronger political connection with the United States government.

哥倫比亞與秘魯目前正在舉行總統 runoff 選舉。這些選舉顯示出向右翼民粹主義傾斜的明顯趨勢，以及與美國政府更強的政治聯繫。

Main Body

The political situation in Latin America is changing significantly as more conservative governments take power and improve their relations with Washington. For example, the 'Shield of the Americas' summit created a security-focused group with leaders from Argentina, El Salvador, and Ecuador, while leaving out the left-wing governments of Brazil and Mexico. Meanwhile, the U.S. has become more active in the region, using the 'Don-roe Doctrine' and military actions in Venezuela to manage the political transition.

拉丁美洲的政治局勢正在發生重大變化，因為更多保守派政府掌權並改善與華盛頓的關係。例如，「美洲之盾」峰會建立了一個以安全為中心的團體，成員包括阿根廷、薩爾瓦多與厄瓜多的領導人，而將巴西與墨西哥的左翼政府排除在外。與此同時，美國在該地區變得更加積極，利用「唐羅主義」與在委內瑞拉的軍事行動來管理政治轉型。

In Colombia, the June 21 election is between Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda. De la Espriella is supported by U.S. President Donald Trump and wants a strict security approach similar to Nayib Bukele's model in El Salvador, which includes building large prisons. On the other hand, Cepeda wants to continue President Gustavo Petro's 'Total Peace' policy, focusing on protecting the Amazon and helping farmers switch to legal crops. Relations between Colombia and the U.S. have worsened under Petro due to disagreements over migration and drug policies.

在哥倫比亞，6 月 21 日的選舉是在 Abelardo de la Espriella 與 Iván Cepeda 之間進行。De la Espriella 得到美國總統川普的支持，希望採取類似薩爾瓦多 Nayib Bukele 模式的嚴厲安全手段，包括建造大型監獄。另一方面，Cepeda 希望延續總統 Gustavo Petro 的「全面和平」政策，重點在於保護亞馬遜雨林並幫助農民轉種合法作物。由於在移民與毒品政策上存在分歧，哥倫比亞與美國的關係在 Petro 任內有所惡化。

At the same time, Peru is choosing between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez. Fujimori wants to bring back the strict security and free-market economic policies used by her father. In contrast, Sánchez supports constitutional reform and more government control over key industries, although he has recently softened his economic views. This election happens during a time of great instability, as Peru has had nine presidents in ten years, and Sánchez is currently facing legal problems regarding his campaign funding.

與此同時，秘魯正在 Keiko Fujimori 與 Roberto Sánchez 之間做出選擇。Fujimori 希望恢復其父親所採用的嚴厲安全與自由市場經濟政策。相比之下，Sánchez 支持憲法改革以及政府對關鍵工業的更多控制，儘管他近期緩和了其經濟觀點。這次選舉發生在極不穩定的時期，秘魯十年內更換了九任總統，而 Sánchez 目前正面臨有關競選資金的法律問題。

Conclusion

The results of the elections in Colombia and Peru will decide if the region continues to move toward right-wing politics or remains divided by different ideologies.

哥倫比亞與秘魯的選舉結果將決定該地區是繼續向右翼政治傾斜，還是繼續被不同的意識形態所分歧。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Contrast' Power-Up

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using only 'but' to show differences. B2 speakers use Contrast Markers to organize complex ideas. This article is a goldmine for this.

1. The Professional Shift: "On the other hand" In the text, we see: *"De la Espriella... wants a strict security approach... On the other hand, Cepeda wants to continue..."

  • A2 Style: "De la Espriella likes prisons, but Cepeda likes peace."
  • B2 Style: "De la Espriella favors a strict security model. On the other hand, Cepeda focuses on social peace."

Coach's Tip: Use "On the other hand" when you are comparing two completely different philosophies or people. It signals to the listener that you are weighing two options.

2. The Direct Opposite: "In contrast" Look at the Peru section: *"Fujimori wants... free-market economic policies... In contrast, Sánchez supports constitutional reform."

While similar to "on the other hand," In contrast is more academic. Use it when the two things you are comparing are like 'black and white' (opposites).

3. The Logic of Conflict: "Due to" Notice this phrase: "Relations... have worsened... due to disagreements over migration."

  • A2 Level: "Relations are bad because they disagree."
  • B2 Level: "Relations worsened due to disagreements."

Why this matters: "Due to" is followed by a noun (disagreements), not a full sentence. Mastering this allows you to compress information, making you sound more sophisticated and fluent.

Vocabulary Learning

runoff (n.)
A second election held when no candidate wins a required majority in the first round.
Example:Since no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held next month.
populism (n.)
A political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are ignored by established elite groups.
Example:The rise of populism in several countries has led to a shift in traditional voting patterns.
significantly (adv.)
In a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention.
Example:The new law has significantly reduced the amount of plastic waste in the ocean.
transition (n.)
The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
Example:The country is currently undergoing a difficult political transition after the revolution.
instability (n.)
The state of being unstable; lack of predictability or steadiness in a system or government.
Example:Economic instability often leads to social unrest and frequent changes in leadership.
ideologies (n.)
Systems of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
Example:The two parties are divided by fundamentally different ideologies regarding healthcare.
C2

Rightward Political Realignment and U.S. Strategic Influence in Colombia and Peru

右傾政治重組與美國在哥倫比亞與秘魯的戰略影響力

Introduction

Colombia and Peru are currently conducting presidential runoff elections characterized by a systemic shift toward right-wing populism and increased alignment with the United States administration.

哥倫比亞與秘魯目前正進行總統 runoff 選舉，其特徵是系統性地向右翼民粹主義傾斜，並增加與美國政府的結盟。

Main Body

The political landscape of Latin America is undergoing a significant realignment, marked by the ascension of conservative governments and a corresponding rapprochement with Washington. This trend is exemplified by the 'Shield of the Americas' summit, which consolidated a security-focused coalition including leaders from Argentina, El Salvador, and Ecuador, while excluding left-leaning administrations in Brazil and Mexico. The U.S. administration has adopted a more interventionist posture, as evidenced by the implementation of the 'Don-roe Doctrine' and the military capture of Venezuelan leadership to facilitate a managed transition.

拉丁美洲的政治格局正經歷一次重大的重組，其標誌是保守派政府的崛起以及隨之而來與華盛頓關係的恢復。這一趨勢在「美洲之盾」峰會中得到體現，該峰會鞏固了一個以安全為中心的聯盟，包括阿根廷、薩爾瓦多與厄瓜多的領導人，同時將巴西與墨西哥的左傾政府排除在外。美國政府採取了更具干預主義的姿態，例如實施「唐-羅主義」以及對委內瑞拉領導層採取軍事逮捕，以促進受控的過渡。

In Colombia, the runoff election on June 21 pits Abelardo de la Espriella against Iván Cepeda. De la Espriella, an outsider endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, advocates for a 'mano dura' security approach modeled after El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, including the resumption of aerial coca fumigation and the construction of mega-prisons. Conversely, Cepeda represents a continuation of President Gustavo Petro's 'Total Peace' policy, emphasizing voluntary crop substitution and environmental conservation of the Amazon. The relationship between Bogota and Washington has deteriorated under Petro, characterized by U.S. sanctions and disputes over migration and narcotics policy, which the Colombian administration has characterized as unacceptable foreign interference.

在哥倫比亞，6月21日的 runoff 選舉是由 Abelardo de la Espriella 對陣 Iván Cepeda。De la Espriella 是一位受到美國總統川普支持的局外人，他主張採取模仿薩爾瓦多 Nayib Bukele 的「強硬手段」安全方案，包括恢復空中噴灑古柯鹼除草劑以及興建大型監獄。相反地，Cepeda 代表著總統 Gustavo Petro 「全面和平」政策的延續，強調自願替換作物與亞馬遜環境保護。波哥大與華盛頓的關係在 Petro 領導下惡化，其特徵是美國的制裁以及在移民與禁毒政策上的爭議，哥倫比亞政府將其定性為不可接受的外來干涉。

Simultaneously, Peru is conducting a runoff between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez. Fujimori, representing the Popular Force party, seeks to restore the hardline security and market-oriented economic policies associated with her father, Alberto Fujimori. Her opponent, Sánchez, advocates for constitutional reform and increased state intervention in strategic sectors, though he has recently moderated his economic platform. The Peruvian electoral process occurs amidst profound institutional instability, having seen nine presidents in a decade, and is further complicated by judicial proceedings against Sánchez regarding alleged campaign finance irregularities.

與此同時，秘魯正進行 Keiko Fujimori 與 Roberto Sánchez 之間的 runoff。Fujimori 代表人民力量黨，尋求恢復其父親 Alberto Fujimori 時期 associated 的強硬安全與市場導向經濟政策。她的對手 Sánchez 主張憲法改革並增加國家對戰略部門的干預，儘管他近期緩和了其經濟政綱。秘魯的選舉過程發生在深刻的制度不穩定之中，十年內經歷了九位總統，且 Sánchez 因涉嫌競選資金違規而面臨司法訴訟，使情況更加複雜。

Conclusion

The outcomes in Colombia and Peru will determine whether the region continues its trajectory toward right-wing consolidation or maintains a fragmented ideological divide.

哥倫比亞與秘魯的結果將決定該地區是會繼續向右翼鞏固發展，還是維持碎片化的意識形態分歧。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Geopolitical Nominalization

To bridge the gap from B2 to C2, one must move beyond describing actions and start describing systems. The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the process of turning verbs (actions) and adjectives (qualities) into nouns to create an objective, academic distance.

⚡ The C2 Shift: From Process to Phenomenon

Notice how the author avoids saying "Countries are moving to the right" (B2) and instead employs:

"...a systemic shift toward right-wing populism"

By transforming the action into a noun phrase ("a systemic shift"), the writer treats a complex political movement as a tangible object that can be analyzed, measured, and categorized. This is the hallmark of high-level diplomatic and academic English.

🔍 Deconstructing the "Power-Nouns"

Observe these specific lexical pivots used in the text:

  1. Rapprochement (from the French rapprocher - to bring closer):

    • B2 equivalent: "Improving relations."
    • C2 utility: It encapsulates a formal, state-level restoration of diplomatic harmony. It is not just "getting along"; it is a strategic pivot.

  2. Interventionist posture:

    • B2 equivalent: "The US is interfering more."
    • C2 utility: "Posture" describes not just an action, but a calculated stance or a strategic positioning. It implies a mental state of readiness rather than a random act.

  3. Institutional instability:

    • B2 equivalent: "The government is unstable."
    • C2 utility: By qualifying the instability as "institutional," the writer specifies that the problem is not with the people, but with the framework (the laws, the courts, the presidency).

🛠️ Sophisticated Syntactic Collocations

To achieve C2 fluidity, pair these nominalizations with precise verbs. The text uses "exemplified by," "characterized by," and "consolidated."

Instead of saying "This shows...", the C2 writer uses:

  • "This trend is exemplified by the 'Shield of the Americas' summit..."

This structure allows the writer to present evidence as a logical extension of a theory, rather than a simple list of facts. It creates a cohesive, authoritative narrative thread that guides the reader through complex socio-political landscapes.

Vocabulary Learning

rapprochement (n.)
An establishment of harmonious relations between two countries that had been hostile or estranged.
Example:The diplomatic rapprochement between the two nations led to a significant increase in bilateral trade.
interventionist (adj.)
Favoring or characterized by the tendency to interfere in the political affairs of another state.
Example:The government's interventionist posture in the region sparked criticism from advocates of national sovereignty.
fumigation (n.)
The action of applying chemical fumes to a space or area to eradicate pests or, in a political context, to destroy illegal crops.
Example:The military began the aerial fumigation of the jungle to destroy the coca plantations.
moderated (v.)
To make less extreme, intense, or rigorous in attitude or policy.
Example:The candidate moderated his economic platform to appeal to a broader range of centrist voters.
trajectory (n.)
The path followed by a political movement or a process of development over time.
Example:The country's economic trajectory suggests a period of sustained growth over the next decade.
realignment (n.)
The process of changing the existing political alliances or the ideological distribution of power.
Example:The shift in voter demographics led to a complete realignment of the party's core support base.
Practice All words in a crossword→