In a Wednesday news conference in Bogota, Colombia, progressive candidate Iván Cepeda conceded defeat in the presidential election to Abelardo de la Espriella. The conservative outsider, who received an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 1 percentage point, or about 251,000 votes.
“We assume with serenity, responsibility, and absolute resolve — and let there be no doubt about it — the role that circumstances demand of us,” Cepeda stated during his address to the nation. He vowed to maintain a democratic, vigilant, and constructive opposition.
The election outcome served as a criticism of outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s administration, whose policies Cepeda had pledged to continue. This included an effort to engage with armed groups under a plan called “total peace,” which largely failed. Following the completion of nearly all vote counts, electoral authorities were rejected by Petro and Cepeda, who indicated a recount was necessary.
De la Espriella, aged 47, will start his 4-year term on August 7. While his campaign has not yet commented on Cepeda’s concession, he declared victory on Sunday and urged both Cepeda and Petro to acknowledge the results. His win marks Colombia as the latest nation to opt for political outsiders to address complex societal, security, and economic issues.
Known as “The Tiger,” de la Espriella has dual Colombian and U.S. citizenship. He aligns with the Republican Party and supports Trump. His campaign promises included tackling violent crime with methods inspired by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, like constructing mega-prisons. While such strategies have lowered homicide rates in El Salvador, they have also raised human rights concerns.
On Tuesday, de la Espriella began forming his Cabinet and announced plans to join the “Shield of the Americas.” This coalition, which Trump initiated, aims to combat criminal groups within Latin America.
The runoff election saw more than 26 million Colombians casting votes, setting a record. Among them, over 426,000 voters selected a third option to show disapproval of both candidates, and approximately 29,000 submitted blank ballots.
In his speech, Cepeda emphasized his future in opposition after de la Espriella’s inauguration. However, he has not confirmed whether he will accept a Senate seat reserved for the presidential runner-up. At 63, Cepeda is a philosopher and the son of an assassinated senator, a tragedy that led him to champion peace talks in Colombia. “Today, we represent half of Colombia at the polls,” he asserted. “We are a fundamental part of the nation. We are a political, social, and cultural force present in every corner of the country.”
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