In Barranquilla, Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, a U.S.-backed lawyer, narrowly emerged victorious in Colombia’s presidential runoff. Although he has no prior experience in public office, he swung the country decisively to the right. With almost all ballots counted, De la Espriella secured 49.66% of the vote, barely edging out left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who received 48.70%.
De la Espriella’s victory, celebrated behind bulletproof glass in Barranquilla, promises to strengthen ties with Washington and reinforce right-wing ‘iron fist’ security policies in the region. He declared to his supporters, “For those who have sown violence, terror, drug trafficking, and corruption all these years, their time is up!” signaling his intent to combat drug-related guerrilla groups.
“He Won, BIG!” said President Trump, expressing support for De la Espriella’s win. Right-wing leaders from the Americas also extended congratulations.
The campaign, marred by attacks and the killing of a conservative candidate, highlighted the deep divisions in Colombia. Protests erupted nationwide as thousands clashed with riot police in cities like Cali and Bogota. Demonstrators in Cali burned American flags and confronted police, while in Bogota, protesters set tires ablaze and hurled bricks.
Natalia, a 26-year-old student, voiced her dissatisfaction, stating, “We’ve already had many years of right-wing governments that care only about making the rich richer.” Meanwhile, De la Espriella supporters, donned in the national football team’s yellow jerseys, celebrated. “The Tiger,” as they call him, inspired hope for security among his followers. Daniela Oliveros, a 30-year-old supporter, expressed belief in his promises of security and freedom.
In his victory speech, De la Espriella sought to reassure his critics by pledging a democratic government that respects all races, religions, and political affiliations. He vowed to govern for all Colombians, regardless of their vote.
His victory signals a return to power for Colombia’s right wing, which has governed most of the past 200 years. It poses a challenge to the fragile peace process initiated a decade ago with the signing of an accord with FARC guerrillas. De la Espriella has proposed terminating peace talks with dissident groups and initiating U.S.-backed airstrikes.
Skepticism lingers as cocaine exports hit record levels, and Colombia remains one of the world’s most economically unequal countries. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism, saying, “Colombia’s best days are ahead,” and looked forward to close cooperation with De la Espriella.
Ivan Cepeda, meanwhile, refrained from conceding the election, stating, “Once the count has been completed and its final result is known, and the corresponding checks have been carried out, we will acknowledge the official result.” The margin between candidates was 247,000 votes, a tiny fraction of the 26 million ballots cast. Historically, vote recounts have not altered Colombian presidential election outcomes.
De la Espriella advised Cepeda to respect the results and heed the voters’ choice. He warned, “The Tiger can still bite you harder than he has bitten you at the ballot box,” signaling potential repercussions.
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