by the El Reportero staff
Attorney and businessman Abelardo de la Espriella claimed victory in Colombia’s presidential runoff election held on June 21, after obtaining a narrow lead over left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda in one of the most polarized elections in the country’s recent history.
With 99.9 percent of polling stations reporting, De la Espriella received approximately 49.7 percent of the vote, while Cepeda secured about 48.7 percent. The margin between the two candidates was slightly more than 250,000 votes, reflecting the deep political divisions that continue to shape the nation. Although preliminary results favor the conservative candidate, the official vote certification process is still underway and election authorities have yet to declare final results.
Many analysts viewed the election as a referendum on the administration of outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Cepeda, a political ally of Petro, campaigned on continuing the social reforms and peace initiatives pursued by the current government. De la Espriella, meanwhile, focused his campaign on public security, fighting organized crime, strengthening the armed forces, and stimulating economic growth.
As preliminary results became known, thousands of supporters celebrated in cities across the country, while Cepeda’s campaign requested a detailed review of election records and urged Colombians to wait until the official count is completed before considering the race settled.
Among the first international reactions was a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated De la Espriella on his electoral victory. According to the president-elect, Trump reiterated his support for the incoming administration and expressed interest in strengthening relations between the two countries.
“I have received congratulations from major world leaders who support the path Colombia begins today,” De la Espriella said while referring to the calls and messages received following the preliminary results.
In his first public remarks from Barranquilla, where he addressed a crowd of supporters, the president-elect said the country is entering a new political chapter and called for national reconciliation.
“With what happened this Sunday, a new era begins for Colombia. The confrontation ends and service to the nation begins,” he said. He also pledged to respect democratic institutions and assured citizens that his administration would not be marked by political persecution.
“I swear to defend the Constitution with utmost consistency to prevent its destruction. I swear to defend it against those who seek to replace it with tyranny,” De la Espriella declared. The president-elect added that he would work toward national unity and reiterated that there would be no persecution of political opponents.
If officially confirmed, De la Espriella will take office on Aug. 7 for the 2026–2030 term. His arrival in power would represent a significant shift to the right in Colombian politics and mark the end of the progressive agenda pursued during the last four years. However, he is expected to face a divided Congress, which could make it difficult to advance some of his key policy proposals.
With reports from Reuters, El Colombiano, Colprensa and other international media outlets.
Suggested caption:
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella addresses supporters in Barranquilla after preliminary results from Colombia’s presidential runoff election showed him holding a narrow lead. Photo: Colprensa.
