Colombia is preparing for a presidential election as the country continues to struggle with the aftermath of its decades-long armed conflict and the implementation of a landmark 2016 peace agreement.

The 2016 peace deal between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), once Latin America's largest insurgent army, achieved significant initial success. The FARC agreed to lay down their weapons, and violence across the country was substantially reduced following the agreement.

However, the peace process has faced significant obstacles in subsequent years. Implementation of the settlement has proceeded slowly under following administrations, limiting its effectiveness in fully ending the armed conflict that has plagued Colombia for decades.

The agreement has also been rejected by FARC dissidents and other rebel factions, preventing a complete resolution to the country's security challenges. These groups continue to operate despite the official peace deal.

As Colombian voters head to the polls, the future of the peace process and how to address ongoing armed conflict remains a central issue in the presidential campaign. The election outcome will likely determine the direction of Colombia's efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.