Celebration, shock and scepticism follow Colombia’s presidential election
Summary
Colombia’s presidential election will go to a runoff between Abelardo de la Espriella, a hard-right outsider, and leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda. De la Espriella surprised many by leading with 43.74% of the vote, beating expectations and pushing Cepeda to second place with 40.90%.Key Facts
- The presidential race will be decided in a second round between Abelardo de la Espriella and Ivan Cepeda.
- De la Espriella is a criminal defense lawyer with no previous political office experience.
- He models himself after populist leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentina’s Javier Milei.
- De la Espriella promises a tough approach to crime, including building large prisons and enforcing “law and order.”
- His support comes mainly from central regions and areas worried about urban crime.
- Cepeda is seen as the continuity candidate for current President Gustavo Petro and focuses on social and economic issues.
- De la Espriella defeated the conservative establishment candidate Paloma Valencia, who received less than 7% of the vote.
- Experts say de la Espriella’s message connects with people who feel ignored by the government.
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