Right-wing political newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella has narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff election, according to initial official results, marking a significant shift toward tougher security policies and a potential realignment in the country’s politics.
De la Espriella, a flamboyant criminal defense lawyer with no prior elected office, defeated leftist senator Iván Cepeda in a razor-thin contest. With nearly all votes counted, de la Espriella secured approximately 49.7% to Cepeda’s 48.7%.
The victory represents another gain for right-leaning leaders in Latin America and comes with strong backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, who endorsed de la Espriella and highlighted shared priorities on combating crime, drugs, and illegal immigration.
De la Espriella, nicknamed “The Tiger,” campaigned on a hardline platform promising a military-led crackdown on armed groups, drug trafficking, and urban crime, while pledging to revitalize the economy.
His supporters view the win as a rejection of outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s leftist policies.
Following the results,
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