In Colombia’s 2026 presidential runoff, former lawyer and businessman Abelardo de la Espriella won with 49.7 % of the vote against Iván Cepeda’s 48.7 %, according to the initial count.
The victory follows a close race, with roughly 99 % of ballots counted, and suggests a narrow but decisive endorsement of de la Espriella by the electorate.
De la Espriella, a U.S. citizen since 2023, pledged a hard‑line military crackdown on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and crime, while canceling any negotiations with insurgents. He promises to build mega‑prisons in the jungle and to reform the health system.
The campaign is framed by a strong pro‑security narrative. Trump endorsed him, saying he would “stop illegal immigration, crack down on crime and drugs, and restore LAW AND ORDER!” and promised the support of the United States.
Supporters greeted the result with celebrations in Barranquilla, sporting Colombian football jerseys and waving flags, some chanting “Make Colombia Great Again!” while some drew parallels with Nayib Bukele’s security policies.
Critics, including Iván Cepeda and President Gustavo Petro, have challenged the official canvass, citing the need for an audit of voting software and expressing fears that the narrow margin reflects a deeply divided nation. Reactions in cities such as Cali have involved protests and clashes between demonstrators and police.
Colombia’s internal armed conflict has escalated in recent years, with militias and cartels such as FARC dissidents, ELN and the Clan del Gulf dominating key routes. De la Espriella seeks to replace Petro’s “total peace” strategy with direct military action and close collaboration with the United States.
