Flash News

Bota

Trump-backed candidate declared winner in Colombia's presidential election

Trump-backed candidate declared winner in Colombia's presidential election

Abelardo De La Espriella, a criminal defense lawyer with no prior political experience, won Colombia's presidential election on Sunday, a victory for his ardent supporters, the global right and President Trump, who had endorsed him.

De La Espriella — who transformed from a smartly dressed Miami lawyer to a populist in a soccer jersey and straw hat — won 49.7% of the vote with more than 99% of the votes counted, according to official preliminary results. Iván Cepeda, a leftist senator and longtime human rights advocate, received 48.7%.

His victory would return Colombia to conservative rule after four years under Gustavo Petro, the country's first leftist president. It would also advance Latin America's broader shift to the right in Trump's second term.

As word of the results spread, Bogotá, the capital, erupted in the sound of cheers, car horns and vuvuzelas. People rushed into the streets, either to celebrate or to march in opposition.

In Barranquilla, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, fireworks exploded and De La Espriella's supporters waved flares. When De La Espriella appeared, he shouted, "Colombia, here is your president!" and said, "I am proud of you."

Latest news