Pro-Trump Nationalist Tops Colombia Presidential Vote, Advances to Runoff Against Leftist Candidate Colombia is headed for a presidential runoff election between conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist candidate Iván Cepeda, following first-round results where De la Espriella secured the most votes. De la Espriella, a lawyer advocating for a hardline law-and-order platform and economic reforms, has drawn parallels to Donald Trump and Javier Milei. The election outcome is seen as a significant moment, potentially leading to improved US relations and a departure from the current leftist leadership.

• Conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella won the most votes in Colombia’s first-round presidential election.
• He will face leftist candidate Iván Cepeda in a runoff election on June 21.
• De la Espriella campaigned on a law-and-order platform and promised economic reforms.
• He has expressed admiration for Donald Trump and Javier Milei.
• The election saw concerns over violence, economic instability, and dissatisfaction with President Gustavo Petro’s government.
• Far-left President Gustavo Petro alleged irregularities without evidence, while Cepeda declined to formally recognize the result.