Colombia's presidential frontrunner, Alvaro Uribe, is running as an independent with a campaign promising law, order and authority.
The Harvard-Oxford educated lawyer has surged in the polls with his hardline approach to the country's largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
There have been several attempts on his life. In April, four people were killed when a bomb went off as his motorcade drove through the coastal city of Barranquilla.
He has promised, if elected, to boost the number of professional soldiers and create a one million-strong civilian force to assist the army.
Mr. Uribe has repeatedly dismissed claims that he had links with the paramilitary Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, who, according to electoral observers, campaigned in his favor.
Mr. Uribe approaches the presidency with some government experience. He is a former governor of Antioquia, Colombia's second largest province.
He is said to be a staunch Roman Catholic who prays every night and practices yoga.