Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has narrowly won Colombia's presidential election with 49.7% of the vote. His opponent, Cepeda, has not conceded, demanding an audit of voting software. Espriella, a lawyer and businessman with no prior political experience, has pledged a tougher military crackdown on armed groups and closer collaboration with the US.
Colombia's presidential election second round concluded peacefully on Sunday. Far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella voted in Barranquilla, urging to "defeat tyranny," while Senator Ivan Cepeda of the ruling left-wing Historic Pact party voted in Bogota, calling for a vote "for life" against a "violent past."
Far-right politician Abelardo de la Espriella is leading Colombia's presidential election runoff with 50.52% of the vote after 46.74% of ballots were counted. Ivan Cepeda of the ruling left-wing Historic Pact party trails with 47.88%. Cepeda has acknowledged the results but stated his party will monitor the process closely.
El ultraderechista Abelardo de la Espriella lidera el preconteo presidencial en Colombia frente al izquierdista Iván Cepeda por un estrecho margen. El presidente Gustavo Petro ha señalado que el resultado es demasiado ajustado para definir la elección y ha convocado a escrutinios oficiales, citando "muchas irregularidades".
Colombia is holding a presidential run-off on June 21 between left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda and far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella. The candidates offer starkly different visions for the country's future, with Cepeda advocating for continuity and de la Espriella promising a break from establishment politics.
Colombia's presidential election is heading to a runoff as neither outsider Abelardo de la Espriella nor leftist Ivan Cepeda secured over 50% of the vote. Initial results show de la Espriella with a slight lead, but Cepeda and outgoing President Gustavo Petro have raised concerns about "atypical voting."
