Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Colombia’s Closest Presidential Race in Years

US-backed lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff on Sunday, marking a major shift to the right for the country as he promised tougher action against drug trafficking groups and armed guerrilla factions.

With nearly all polling stations reporting, de la Espriella secured 49.66 percent of the vote, defeating left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who received 48.70 percent. The close result reflects a deeply divided Colombia as voters weighed security concerns against demands for social and economic reforms.

The 47-year-old political outsider, who has never held public office, celebrated his victory in Barranquilla, declaring the start of a “new era” and promising a tougher fight against violence, corruption and organized crime.

“Those who have brought violence, terror, drug trafficking and corruption will face their end,” he told supporters while speaking from behind bulletproof glass.

The victory is expected to strengthen Colombia’s ties with Washington and adds to a growing trend of right-wing leaders gaining power across Latin America with promises of strict security policies.

Protests and celebrations

The election campaign was marked by violence, including guerrilla attacks and the assassination of a leading conservative presidential candidate.

Following the result, protests erupted in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. Thousands gathered, with some demonstrators burning US flags and clashing with riot police, who responded with tear gas.

Meanwhile, de la Espriella’s supporters celebrated in several cities, wearing the yellow national football jersey he adopted during his campaign. Supporters praised his promises to restore security and stability.

Despite the narrow margin, de la Espriella attempted to strike a conciliatory tone, saying his government would respect democracy, freedom and the rights of all Colombians.

“I will govern for everyone — those who supported me and those who chose another path,” he said.

Security and peace process under pressure

De la Espriella’s victory marks a return of Colombia’s right wing to power after years of leftist influence.

His presidency is expected to test the country’s fragile peace efforts. He has criticized ongoing negotiations with armed groups and has promised a tougher military approach against criminal organizations and dissident guerrilla factions.

A decade after the historic peace agreement with the FARC rebels, Colombia has seen economic progress, but illegal armed groups still control parts of the country. Cocaine production remains at record levels, and inequality continues to be a major challenge.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated de la Espriella, saying Washington looked forward to working closely with his administration.

Opposition questions future direction

Cepeda, 63, did not immediately concede defeat, saying he would wait until the vote count and verification process were complete before accepting the final result.

However, overturning the preliminary outcome would require a major reversal, with the gap between the candidates reaching hundreds of thousands of votes.

Cepeda’s supporters had backed his message of greater economic equality and concerns over a possible return to harsh security policies.

Some voters expressed fears about de la Espriella’s leadership style, questioning how much power his government would seek and whether it would protect democratic institutions.

The incoming president now faces the challenge of governing a sharply divided nation while addressing security threats, economic inequality and Colombia’s unresolved armed conflicts.