Colombia's Santos in lead

Colombia's incumbent President Santos was heading for re-election on Sunday in a poll he had cast as a choice between peace or continued war with rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

With 99 percent of the vote counted, the center-right incumbent Santos (pictured voting) had garnered 50.9 percent. Zuluaga was on about 45 percent.

In the first round of balloting on May 25, Zuluaga gained 29 percent of the vote against 26 percent for Santos.

A runoff was necessary because neither won more than 50 percent of the vote. Pre-election surveys had shown no clear winner.

Zuluaga, who was backed by former two-term president Alvaro Uribe, had accused Santos of selling Colombia out to FARC at ongoing talks hosted by Cuba.

Colombia's five-decade conflict has claimed more than 200,000 lives and forced millions to move from their homes.

Talks opened in 2012

Santos, a center-rightist who hails from one of the country's most influential families, opened talks with rebel leaders of FARC in late 2012.

At least three major issues remain unresolved at the talks: the surrender of weapons, compensation for victims, and how a final agreement would be ratified.

A victory for Zuluaga, 55, could have spelled the end of the peace process if FARC had rejected the tougher conditions he intended to impose.

Confetti and tears

At his campaign headquarters in Bogota, supporters danced and waved flags as music blared and confetti rained down.

In an old industrial part of Bogota, some of Zuluaga's deflated backers sobbed as they watched the final numbers roll in.

Fast growing economy

Colombia's financial market were not likely to be rattled by the election outcome because both candidates are considered business friendly.

Colombia's economy is one of the fastest growing in Latin America.

ipj/jr (Reuters, AP)