Bogota, Colombia – Abelardo de la Espriella, the right-wing populist candidate from the Defenders of the Motherland movement has narrowly won Colombia’s presidential election. With over 99% of votes accounted for, electoral authorities’ preliminary ‘quick count’ reveals de la Espriella leading with 49.7%. His left-wing opponent, Iván Cepeda, follows closely with 48.7%. Blank votes constitute the remainder. The slim margin suggests that while no final result has been certified yet, a slower manual count will continue in the coming days. Historically, Colombia’s quick counts align closely with certified results.
De la Espriella took to social media, expressing optimism, “Today begins a new stage for our country, built on the free and democratic will of millions who chose to believe in a great, safe, and prosperous Colombia full of opportunities.” Meanwhile, Cepeda, an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, acknowledged the quick count outcome. However, his campaign is challenging results from approximately 33,000 ballot boxes. President Petro, via social media, flagged irregularities in the vote count, urging calm and stating that no candidate can be officially declared until the manual count is verified.
Security was the primary concern for voters, according to pollsters. The armed conflict in Colombia, spanning decades, has intensified with armed groups and cartels expanding control over drug trafficking routes and illegal mining activities. Membership in these groups has reportedly doubled over the past five years, leading to widespread displacement and insecurity.
De la Espriella, a millionaire businessman and criminal defense attorney known as “El Tigre” (the Tiger), is a political newcomer endorsed by President Donald Trump. He promises a hardline approach to security, planning a military offensive against guerrilla groups on his first day in office. He expressed intentions to “bomb all camps holding narco-terrorists,” intensify attacks on drug smuggling aircraft and boats, and construct ten “mega prisons.” Additionally, he plans to open the countryside to fracking and reverse Petro’s moratorium on new hydrocarbon and mining contracts.
The 47-year-old rose to prominence—and accumulated wealth—as a criminal defense lawyer representing controversial clients. His clientele included the founder of a pyramid scheme defrauding thousands of Colombians, and Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman with ties to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, extradited to the U.S. on money-laundering charges.
Beyond law and politics, De la Espriella embraces a media persona, featuring in promotional videos where he sings Spanish classics such as “My Way” and “Volare.” Often called “the devil’s advocate,” he has built a lucrative legal and media empire. He owns luxury cars including a Rolls Royce, travels by private jet, and has launched a fashion brand, De La Espriella Style, marketing high-end accessories like luxury watches and sneakers priced above $1,000.
De la Espriella seeks to mend relations with Washington, strained under Petro’s tenure. Earlier endorsements from President Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signal positive diplomatic shifts. Rubio, among the first to congratulate him, shared via social media “Colombia’s best days are ahead.” His victory marks a broader rightward trend across Latin America, with far-right and center-right governments gaining power in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, and Paraguay, and Peru possibly joining after recent closely contested elections.
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