Trump-backed populist wins tight Colombia presidential vote, sparking protests

Right-Wing Candidate Triumphs in Colombia's Contested Presidential Runoff, Igniting Protests

Trump backed populist wins tight Colombia - Barranquilla, Colombia — In a closely contested presidential runoff, Abelardo de la Espriella, a charismatic U.S.-aligned lawyer with no prior political experience, secured victory with a narrow margin. His win, which tilted Colombia further to the right, has already sparked violent demonstrations across the nation. With nearly all ballots tallied, de la Espriella garnered 49.66% of the vote compared to Ivan Cepeda’s 48.70%. The 47-year-old candidate’s slim lead of 0.96 percentage points, barely over 247,000 votes, was enough to trigger widespread unrest. Over 26 million voters, representing 63% of registered citizens, cast their ballots in a fiercely divided electorate.

De la Espriella Strikes an Assuring Tone

During his victory speech, de la Espriella aimed to reassure critics, promising "an absolutely democratic government" and vowing to uphold freedom and institutional order. "I will govern for all Colombians, regardless of their political leanings," he emphasized, seeking to bridge the nation’s ideological chasm. His win marks a return to right-wing dominance in Colombian politics, which has governed for all but four years of the past two centuries. Analysts warn that de la Espriella’s leadership may challenge the country’s peace process, which has endured for a decade.

“For those who have sown violence, terror, drug trafficking, and corruption all these years, their time is up!”

De la Espriella echoed this sentiment, vowing to wage war against drug-running guerrilla groups. "We are beginning a new era!" he told supporters in Barranquilla, behind thick bulletproof glass. The phrase resonated with his base, who rallied behind his pledge to prioritize security and economic stability. Yet, the same rhetoric has fueled opposition, as many view his policies as a harsh counter to Colombia’s long-standing struggles with inequality and violence.

Since the historic 2016 peace accord with the FARC guerrillas, much of Colombia has experienced economic growth. However, regions still controlled by cartels and splinter groups continue to thrive in cocaine production, and the nation remains among the world’s most unequal economies. "Colombia's best days are ahead," said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, adding that Washington "looks forward to working closely with your incoming administration." De la Espriella, a dual U.S.-Colombian national, has positioned himself as a leader capable of revitalizing the country’s security and economic policies.

The Protests and Political Divide

As night descended, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Colombia’s major urban centers. In Cali, some participants set American flags ablaze, while others brandished steel bars and confronted riot police, who deployed tear gas to clear the crowds. Tensions also flared in Bogotá, where protesters hurled bricks and set tires alight in their confrontation with law enforcement. The unrest highlights the deep ideological rift between supporters of the right-wing candidate and his left-leaning rival.

“We've already had many years of right-wing governments that care only about making the rich richer,”

26-year-old student Natalia told AFP, reflecting the frustration of many who believe the new administration will exacerbate social divisions. Meanwhile, de la Espriella’s backers celebrated on the streets, donning the canary-yellow national football jersey he popularized during his campaign. They waved flags, honked horns, and expressed optimism that "The Tiger" would deliver enhanced security. "I’m very happy," said Daniela Oliveros, a 30-year-old supporter in Barranquilla. "I believe in the country and in freedom. Abelardo’s leadership offers a sense of security, employment, and dignity."

Despite his victory, de la Espriella faces an uphill battle to unify a nation deeply split by years of conflict and political polarization. The campaign was marked by guerrilla bomb attacks and the assassination of a leading conservative presidential candidate, underscoring the risks of his populist platform. As the results solidified, the political landscape shifted, with de la Espriella’s win seen as a catalyst for a broader regional right-wing movement focused on stringent security measures.

Cepeda Holds Back on Concession

Cepeda, a 63-year-old leftist senator, refused to concede immediately. "Once the final count is confirmed and all checks are completed, we will recognize the official result," he stated to his supporters. To overturn the outcome, hundreds of thousands of votes would need to be recalculated, though the initial margin of error was typically in the low thousands. This tight race has left Cepeda’s team vowing to challenge the results, emphasizing the potential for a recount to tip the balance.

Colombia’s population is 53 million, meaning the 247,000 vote gap translates to a significant ideological divide. While de la Espriella’s victory signals a shift toward stronger security policies, Cepeda’s supporters argue that the outcome may not fully reflect the nation’s broader aspirations. "The Tiger can still bite you harder than he has bitten you," de la Espriella warned, signaling the political tensions ahead as his administration takes shape.

De la Espriella’s win also marks a symbolic alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose emphasis on strong leadership and tough security measures resonated with his campaign. Trump’s exclamation of "He Won, BIG!" following the announcement was met with applause from right-wing leaders across the Americas, many of whom see the candidate as a potential ally in global efforts to combat drug trafficking and leftist movements.

Yet, the election outcome has raised concerns about the future of Colombia’s peace process. During the campaign, de la Espriella told AFP he intended to