Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly tops Colombia’s presidential runoff, according to an initial count
In the country’s first run‑off since the 1980s, the right‑wing lawyer and businessman backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump swept 49.7% of the vote, edging former soccer star Iván Cepeda who received 48.7% of the ballots. The wide margin was reported with 99% of ballots counted.
De la Espriella, who has no prior political office, promised a hard‑line approach to the internal armed conflict, pledging to crack down on armed groups such as FARC dissidents, the ELN, and the Clan del Golfo. He also pledged a partnership with the United States and the construction of large prisons in jungles to curb drug trafficking and illegal mining.
While he welcomed supporters on the streets of Barranquilla, chanting “El Tigre” and “Make Colombia Great Again,” the outcome found the country deeply divided. Left‑wing activists suggested the narrow margin reflected political fragmentation and called for peace, while right‑wing supporters celebrated a “new era of security.”
Critics, including President Gustavo Petro, called for a full audit of the electoral process, citing concerns over growth in illegal armed groups and challenges to the current “total peace” strategy. Petros also demanded a review of voting software and alleged possible compromise of several polling stations.
The endorsement of the former U.S. President told supporters that “Law and Order” would be restored with a promise to stop illegal immigration. The victory also came at a time when several Latin American countries are shifting toward right‑wing policies to curb violence. Africa‑Best For average tweets to a new variable in the worst scenario.
Who is Abelardo de la Espriella?
De la Espriella’s background is primarily professional: he is a lawyer who defended clients such as Alex Saab and was later involved in handling a fraud case for a top Colombian businessman. He emerged as a strong campaigner in the coastal region of Barranquilla, drawing on his reputation as a business‑savvy outsider and a lawyer with no previous political office.
Military crackdown
The country has been battling a persistent armed conflict that has escalated over the last five years, with armed groups now twice the size of before. De la Espriella vowed to abandon negotiation with irregular armed groups, instead imposing a military crackdown and working closely with the U.S. to reduce the influence of cartels and gang networks.
He also pledged to reduce the size of the state and reform the health system.
Trump endorsement
The former U.S. President publicly endorsed the new candidate, describing him as a strong champion of immigration and law enforcement. He has also promised support for security initiatives across the country. A wider shift towards nationalistic, security‑driven policies in the region echoes with leaders such as Javier Milei, who have spoken about Argentina’s new direction as a counter‑action against transnational crime and drug trafficking.
