Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia’s presidential runoff, narrowly defeating his opponent Ivan Cepeda in a contest that marks a significant political shift for the country.
The 47-year-old lawyer, who has never held public office, secured the presidency on a platform centered on waging war against drug-running guerrillas and organized crime.
His victory is seen as a major win for the right-wing bloc and aligns with the political agenda of US President Donald Trump, who backed the candidate.
The result underscores a growing appetite among Colombian voters for a tougher stance on security and law enforcement.
De la Espriella’s campaign focused heavily on restoring order and combating the influence of armed groups that have long plagued the nation.
His win comes after a closely watched election that highlighted deep divisions within Colombian society over the direction of the country’s post-conflict policies.