Right-wing candidate wins Colombia presidential runoff amid fraud allegations

Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia’s presidential runoff election, narrowly defeating left-wing contender Iván Cepeda after more than 98% of votes were counted, according to official tallies.

De la Espriella secured victory by a margin of roughly 1%, marking a closely contested election that has already triggered political controversy and claims of irregularities, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Cepeda, who was backed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro, has not yet conceded, while Petro called for a partial recount, citing what he described as software-related irregularities and urging the public to await final certified results. He also alleged possible foreign interference, including claims of Israeli hacking and U.S. involvement in influencing the vote, without presenting public evidence.

“We will not allow ... the rollback of the social gains we have achieved,” Cepeda said. “We will not allow democracy to be violated.”

Con los mismos datos de la registraduria, el resultado de pre conteo en este momento es 49,3 por Abelardo y 49 por Cepeda.

No sé puede proclamar ninguno presidente

Es el escrutinio el que determina quién es el presidente. Obedezco a los jueces.

Tranquilidad entre la ciudadanía…

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 21, 2026

The election result has been welcomed by political allies of de la Espriella abroad, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio among those to have congratulated him on his projected victory, alongside several regional leaders aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump, who also supported his candidacy.

The outcome is expected to shift Colombia’s foreign policy closer to Washington and marks a broader regional trend toward right-wing leaders campaigning on hardline security platforms, particularly against drug trafficking and organised crime.

Speaking to supporters in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla, de la Espriella, who is known by the nickname “The Tiger,” declared the start of a new political era.

"We are beginning a new era!" he told supporters from behind bullet-proof glass.

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

Addressing his opponent directly, he said: “Pack your bags and prepare to exercise the opposition,” adding, “Make no mistake, Mr. Cepeda. You already know how fiercely the tiger roars.”

By Sabina Mammadli