Less than two hours after the polls closed, it was clear Colombia’s presidential race would go to a run-off. The two finalists are the right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda.
While many expected Cepeda, a chosen successor of President Gustavo Petro, to lead, de la Espriella surprised everyone by clinching 43.74% of the vote, compared to Cepeda’s 40.90%. His supporters celebrated in Barranquilla, where he has a strong presence. One voter, Elsa Suarez, exclaimed, “Colombia won, and democracy won!”
De la Espriella has modeled himself after populist politicians like Donald Trump and Javier Milei, promising a return to “law and order.” His approach includes tough measures against crime and a plan for massive prisons to house offenders, echoing tactics used by Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele. Analysts believe this messaging resonates strongly with voters in Colombia’s interior, where rising crime is a significant concern. According to Laura Bonilla from the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation, people in central regions focus on safety, while those in coastal and border areas prioritize socioeconomic issues.
De la Espriella’s rise reflects a growing rejection of the political status quo. He defeated Senator Paloma Valencia, backed by former President Alvaro Uribe, who represents traditional conservatism. Initially thought to be competitive, Valencia ended up with less than 7% of the vote. Political consultant Miguel Silva notes de la Espriella’s campaign effectively framed the divide between the wealthy and the marginalized, calling the former “Los Siempre” (The Always) and the latter “Los Nunca” (The Nevers).
In Bogotá, Cepeda supporters were taken aback by the results. “Everyone is a little surprised,” said Juan Camilo Rodriguez. Outgoing President Petro and Cepeda questioned the integrity of the preliminary results, urging patience until an official count. Although Cepeda initially raised concerns about fraud, he later acknowledged there was no evidence to support those claims.
Experts warn that focusing on fraud could alienate moderate voters. The final run-off on June 21 will be crucial, as millions of votes are up for grabs from eliminated candidates like Sergio Fajardo and Paloma Valencia. Political strategist Miguel Jaramillo Lujan advises that the candidates must be careful in their campaigning, as the winner will likely be the one who makes the fewest mistakes in the lead-up to the election.
This presidential race illustrates a dramatic shift in Colombia’s political landscape, indicating a demand for change among voters. As the country moves forward, the outcomes will likely shape its future in significant ways, and both candidates will need to respond to the evolving concerns of their electorate.
For details on election results and ongoing updates, you can refer to the Electoral Maps.
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News, Elections, Government, Politics, The Far Right, Colombia, Latin America
