25/06/2026 03:53 - Internacionales
The National Electoral Council (CNE) officially confirmed Abelardo de la Espriella as the winner of the presidential elections after a count that defined the contest by less than one percentage point.
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Abelardo de la Espriella | 12,960,166 | 49.66% |
| Iván Cepeda | 12,708,312 | 48.70% |
Source: National Electoral Council - 99.99% of polling stations counted
Considered a political outsider, De la Espriella is a lawyer who reached the presidency promising a 180-degree turn from the government of Gustavo Petro, the first left-wing president in Colombia's history.
His central proposals include:
In Cúcuta, a border city with Venezuela, De la Espriella obtained an overwhelming 76.56% of the votes, reflecting the population's fear of insecurity and the presence of armed groups in the border region. This city has historically been affected by cross-border violence and illegal migration.
President Donald Trump congratulated the winner through his Truth Social platform with the message: "He won, BIG!". Trump had expressed his support for De la Espriella before the runoff election.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also celebrated the victory, according to verified reports.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil issued a statement recognizing the results: "The elections took place in an atmosphere of normality, participation, and peace".
The candidate from the ruling Pacto Histórico (Historic Pact) coalition acknowledged the results and announced he will access a Senate seat thanks to the Opposition Statute, which will allow him to maintain legislative presence.
Outgoing President Gustavo Petro called for "peaceful resistance" in response to the government change.
Colombia is South America's third-most populous country (approximately 52 million inhabitants) and the world's third-largest coffee producer, hence its nickname "the coffee country."
Gustavo Petro made history in 2022 by becoming the first left-wing president in Colombia's history. His "Total Peace" policy sought to negotiate with all armed groups simultaneously.
Cúcuta is a strategic city on the Venezuelan border, crucial for trade and migration flows. Its high vote for De la Espriella reflects border security concerns.
This election was one of the most polarized in Colombia's recent history. De la Espriella's victory marks a return to center-right politics after four years of the country's first left-wing government. The new president will face significant challenges, including social polarization and the implementation of his hard-line security policy.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
