Trump-backed right-wing lawyer appears to win Colombia's presidential election
Summary
Abelardo De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer supported by President Donald Trump, appears to have won Colombia’s presidential election based on preliminary results. He campaigned on a tough approach to crime and plans to build large prisons to tackle violence in Colombia.Key Facts
- Abelardo De la Espriella leads with about 49.7% of the vote in the runoff election, with 99% of votes counted.
- He has no previous elected political experience and is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Colombia.
- De la Espriella was endorsed by President Donald Trump earlier in June 2026.
- He supports strict security policies inspired by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.
- Colombia’s current president, Gustavo Petro, questioned the election results, citing possible voting irregularities.
- De la Espriella’s opponent was Iván Cepeda, a long-time left-wing senator.
- Some Colombians voted for strong security measures, while others wanted social and economic reforms.
- U.S. officials expressed optimism about closer ties and cooperation with De la Espriella’s anticipated government.
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