Trump-backed right-wing lawyer appears to win Colombia’s presidential election
Abelardo De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer with no prior elected political experience, is poised to become Colombia’s next president, based on preliminary results from Sunday’s runoff election. With 99% of votes counted nationwide, De la Espriella has secured 49.7% of the vote, defeating long-time left-wing politician Senator Iván Cepeda.
De la Espriella, a conservative lawyer and dual citizen of the U.S. and Colombia, ran on a tough-on-crime platform, pledging to build 10 mega-prisons in Colombia. His approach is inspired by the security policies of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, as Colombia grapples with escalating violence.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed De la Espriella, emphasizing the significance of the election for Colombia’s future and its relationship with the United States. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed his full support for De la Espriella, citing his accomplishments and personal backing.
However, Colombia’s current president, Gustavo Petro, has raised concerns about alleged irregularities at polling stations, casting doubt on the election results. Elizabeth Dickinson, deputy director for Latin America at the International Crisis Group, noted that Colombians are divided between those seeking a security crackdown and those advocating for social and economic reforms.
If confirmed as president, De la Espriella would emerge as a prominent conservative leader in Latin America, likely strengthening ties with the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated De la Espriella, expressing optimism for enhanced regional security cooperation, immigration control, and economic partnerships under the new administration.
As Colombia prepares for a transition of power, the incoming president faces the challenge of uniting a polarized electorate and navigating diverse demands for governance. The election outcome underscores the country’s deep-seated divisions and the imperative for inclusive leadership to address pressing issues effectively.
