Abelardo de la Espriella has been elected as the new president of Colombia, as indicated by the preliminary vote count released by the National Civil Registry on June 21. With 99.9% of polling stations reporting, De la Espriella of the conservative Defenders of the Homeland party secured 49.6% of the vote, while his opponent Iván Cepeda of the ruling Historic Pact party received 48.7%. The remaining votes were null or blank.
In his first public address from Barranquilla, De la Espriella called for national unity, stating, “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country, built upon the free and democratic will of millions of citizens.” He pledged to be the president of all Colombians, including those who did not vote for him, and expressed hope for a “Miracle Homeland.”
President Gustavo Petro disputed the results, asserting that no one can be proclaimed president until the official vote count is completed. Iván Cepeda announced his intention to challenge results from 33,000 polling stations during the official tally.
De la Espriella has emphasized a conservative platform, including an “iron-fist” approach to crime, opposition to gender ideology in schools, and a firm stance against marijuana legalization. He was the only candidate to sign the Commitment to Life and Family, pledging to defend traditional family values and religious freedoms.
International leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidents of Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile, have congratulated De la Espriella, expressing optimism for strengthened ties and regional security cooperation.
