A flamboyant US-backed lawyer who has never held public office narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff Sunday, swinging the country hard to the right on a promise to wage war against drug-running guerrilla groups.
With just a handful of polling centres left to report, Abelardo de la Espriella had 49.65 per cent of the vote — an unassailable lead over left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who trailed on 48.70 per cent.
The 47-year-old’s victory will likely improve strained relations with Washington and extend a wave of rightist candidates who have swept to power across Latin America.
“Today Colombia won its most important game,” the president-elect said in a series of social media posts, adding he had spoken to US President Donald Trump, who offered congratulations and support.
“We are grateful to God for this miracle that has taken place,” De la Espriella said.
As his victory became clear, supporters poured onto the
This post was originally published on this site.
