Trump-backed political outsider wins Colombia election, initial count shows

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Trump-backed political outsider wins Colombia election, initial count showsJust now Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleIone WellsBarranquilla, ColombiaBBCCrowds celebrated on the streets of BarranquillaThe right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has narrowly won Colombia's presidential election, according to the initial vote count, marking a dramatic shift in how the government will tackle the country's internal armed conflict and violence. Espriella, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, has pledged a military crackdown on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and crime. He appeared to defeat the left-wing Iván Cepeda, a close ally of the president, Gustavo Petro.

Reacting to the result, he said "today begins a new stage for our country, a stage built on the free and democratic will of millions of citizens who chose to believe in a great, safe, prosperous Colombia full of opportunities. "With over 99% of votes counted, De La Espriella had won nearly 49. 7% of the vote, while Cepeda won 48.

The Details

Cepeda has not conceded, saying the preliminary count was "not yet official or binding". "Once the official canvass takes place and its final result is produced, and the corresponding verifications have been carried out, we will recognize the official result that emerges from that structure. "Espriella, who was raised in the Caribbean coastal region, enjoyed significant regional support there.

In Barranquilla, a city on the coast, a huge crowd of supporters gathered to celebrate his result. All of them donned the Colombian yellow football jersey and waved Colombian flags. They sang and danced to music from a stage lit up with photos of Espriella's face, chanting, "stand firm for the homeland" and "Petro out!

", before a fireworks display. Some wore hats akin to Donald Trump supporters, but saying "Make Colombia Great Again! "Trump responded to the result, writing on Truth Social, "He Won, BIG!

What Experts Say

""We are tired of the killings in this country. And tired of the bureaucracy of this government. We have a president from the coast!

" one supporter, Patricia said. "We are proud of The Tiger. We hope he will change the country, to a new one where we can have jobs, and more security above everything," another supporter said.

The polarising differences between the two candidates has led to mounting fears that there could be unrest in the country after the result, especially if some critics do not recognise the result. Petro may challenge the result. He posted on X that "neither can be proclaimed president" after a "pre-count result" and demanded an audit of voting software, making allegations that some polling stations were "compromised" without providing evidence.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.