Trump‑backed outsider wins Colombia’s presidential election, initial count shows
Right‑wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has narrowly won Colombia’s presidential election, an initial vote count shows, marking a dramatic shift in how the government will tackle the country’s internal armed conflict and violence.
De la Espriella, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, has pledged a military crackdown on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and crime. He appeared to defeat left‑wing Iván Cepeda, a close ally of President Gustavo Petro.
With over 99% of votes counted, de la Espriella had won nearly 49.7% of the vote, while Cepeda won 48.7% in the preliminary runoff tally. Cepeda has not conceded yet, saying the preliminary count is not official or binding.
After the initial vote count was announced, de la Espriella addressed a huge crowd of supporters who had gathered to celebrate in Barranquilla, his home coastal city.
He pledged to govern for all Colombians, uphold the 1991 constitution and protect it, while supporters cheerfully wore yellow football jerseys, waved Colombian flags and sang "Stand firm for the homeland".
Supporters of Cepeda also demonstrated, voicing concerns over the narrow margin and the nation’s division. In Cali, protesters burned U.S. flags and police used tear gas amid clashes.
Petro posted on X that "neither can be proclaimed president" following the preliminary result and demanded an audit of the voting software.
Who is Abelardo de la Espriella?
De la Espriella is a lawyer and businessman with no prior political experience. He has represented high‑profile clients including Alex Saab and fraudster David Murcia Guzmán.
He aligns his security policy with that of President Nayib Bukele and applies military‑style salutes and rhetoric. Critics accuse him of politicising the Colombian football jersey.
Military crackdown
Colombia’s internal armed conflict has escalated in the last five years, with membership of guerrilla groups and cartels doubling. De la Espriella pledges to scrap negotiations with illegal armed groups and launch a harder military clampdown, collaborating closely with the U.S.
He also plans to build mega‑prisons in the jungle, shrink the state and reform the health system.
Trump endorsement
De la Espriella became a U.S. citizen in 2023 after living in Miami. Trump’s endorsement promised a "total support and strength of the United States behind him" to stop illegal immigration and restore law and order.
Colombia’s close relationship with the U.S. has been strained in recent years, but this election could restore ties amid a regional shift to the right driven by security concerns.
