Colombia's leftist candidate calls for calm after far-right election win sparks protests

Leftist presidential candidate Iván Cepeda called for calm among his supporters following protests against the far-right's election victory in Colombia. The nation experienced one of its closest recent elections, with Cepeda losing to businessman Abelardo de la Espriella by less than one percentage point.

Thousands took to the streets in Bogotá and Cali to protest the win by De la Espriella, a lawyer and businessman who styles himself as "El Tigre." Protesters burned U.S. flags and clashed with riot police. "My call is to maintain calm and tranquility, because that is our character," Cepeda stated at a press conference in Bogotá. "Let's maintain exemplary behavior at this time," added the senator and human rights defender.

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My call is to maintain calm and tranquility, because that is our character. Let's maintain exemplary behavior at this time.

Cepeda indicated he would only recognize the results after the official count concludes, a process that could take several days. De la Espriella, who will govern until 2030, campaigned on a strong anti-leftist platform. The left-wing sector, represented by current President Gustavo Petro, first came to power in 2022. De la Espriella's campaign rhetoric included controversial statements against the left, a group that has historically faced political violence in Colombia.

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I look forward to working with you to build a powerful relationship between Colombia and the United States.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed eagerness to work with De la Espriella, stating on Truth Social that he looked forward to building a "powerful relationship between Colombia and the United States." De la Espriella has pledged to combat criminal organizations and strengthen ties with Washington. However, his legislative agenda will require congressional support, where his party currently holds only five seats.

The Democratic Center party, a major force in traditional right-wing politics, announced its support for the incoming government, signaling potential alliances. "We will prepare a legislative agenda aligned with the new government," the party stated on X. If De la Espriella can secure backing from other traditional parties, he may achieve the necessary majorities to advance his agenda. The Democratic Center is currently the second-largest bloc in Congress, trailing Petro and Cepeda's Historic Pact coalition.

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We will prepare a legislative agenda aligned with the new government.