In brief
Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer with no prior political experience, narrowly beats left‑wing Iván Cepeda in Colombia’s second‑round presidential election. With 99% of votes counted, the win is certified but not yet final, as Cepeda refuses to concede. De la Espriella, endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has pledged a military crackdown on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking, and crime, echoing a regional trend toward right‑wing populism. The victory sparks celebration among supporters in Barranquilla, yet tensions rise, with protests and clashes reported in Cali. President Petro and his allies have warned of potential unrest should the result not be fully recognized, and a broader debate looms over Colombia’s future security strategy.
Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer and businessman with no prior political experience, has narrowly beaten left‑wing contender Iván Cepeda in Colombia’s presidential runoff, with 49.7 % of the vote according to early tallies covering 99 % of ballots.
The former U.S. citizen, who spent many years in Miami, was endorsed by Donald Trump, who promised to enforce “law and order” and strengthen U.S. backing for the new president. De la Espriella’s campaign focused on a military crackdown on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and violent crime, a stark contrast to President Petro’s negotiated peace strategy.
Despite the initial victory, Iván Cepeda has refused to concede, stating that the preliminary count is “not yet official or binding.” The verification process confirmed little change from the first‑round results, leaving the official outcome pending after the final canvass.
Celebrations erupted in Barranquilla, where supporters marched in yellow football jerseys and raised Colombian flags, chanting slogans such as “Petro out!” and “Make Colombia Great Again!”, echoing Trump’s own campaign rhetoric. A video of the jubilant crowds shows supporters waving flags and dancing amid fireworks.
However, the fanfare is shadowed by rising tensions. In Cali, clashes broke out between protesters and police over the result, with demonstrators burning U.S. flags and authorities using tear gas. President Petro warned that the country could face unrest if the outcome is not fully accepted, demanding an audit of voting software and alleging compromised polling stations.
De la Espriella has vowed to dismantle negotiations with armed groups, instead opting for a stronger military presence and collaboration with U.S. forces. He also promises mega‑prisons in the jungle, state downsizing and health system reform, echoing security‑focused dictators like Nayib Bukele.
This election reflects a broader regional shift towards right‑wing populism, driven by concerns over security. Other leaders, including Argentina’s Javier Milei and Chile’s José Antonio Kast, have lauded de la Espriella’s stance.
