BOGOTÁ — Colombian electoral authorities on Monday confirmed the victory of right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella in the country’s presidential runoff election, following a closely contested vote that drew international attention after receiving public support from U.S. President Donald Trump during the campaign. Preliminary results showed De la Espriella narrowly defeating left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda, the candidate backed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
With nearly all ballots counted, De la Espriella secured just under half of the vote, according to figures released by Colombia’s National Civil Registry. Electoral authorities said the margin between the two candidates was narrow, making it one of the closest presidential contests in recent Colombian history.
De la Espriella, a lawyer and businessman who had not previously held elected office, campaigned on a platform centered on security, anti-corruption measures and economic deregulation. He pledged to intensify efforts against drug-trafficking organizations and armed groups while strengthening ties with the United States. Throughout the campaign, he publicly praised Trump and adopted themes similar to those promoted by conservative leaders elsewhere in Latin America.
Speaking to supporters after the results were announced, De la Espriella declared, “We are beginning a new era,” according to remarks carried by local and international media. He also pledged to govern for all Colombians and said his administration would focus on restoring security and economic growth.
Cepeda stopped short of conceding immediately and said his campaign would review the vote count through established legal channels. Petro also raised concerns about alleged irregularities and called for scrutiny of the results before final certification. Electoral authorities said the official review process would continue in accordance with Colombian law. Details of the allegations remain under review, and no evidence of widespread irregularities has been publicly confirmed by election officials.
The election marks a significant political shift after four years under Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president. Analysts and regional observers noted that the outcome follows a broader trend of conservative electoral gains in several Latin American countries in recent years.
De la Espriella is scheduled to take office on Aug. 7 for a four-year term. Electoral authorities said the certification process remains underway, while government officials called for calm and respect for democratic institutions as the final results are completed.
