Colombian election ends with controlled riots, no fatalities

Colombia's presidential election runoff ended early Monday with isolated disturbances in Bogotá and Cali, causing damage to public infrastructure, injuries, and arrests, though authorities reported no fatalities. The unrest followed the announcement of preliminary results showing a narrow victory for ultraconservative Abelardo de la Espriella over leftist candidate Cepeda.

“

Tranquility is reported in the city at this time.

In Bogotá, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán confirmed that security forces intervened in the southern districts of Kennedy and Usme to restore public order. Incidents included attempts by masked individuals to attack a police station and a gathering that moved from the vote counting center towards the Plaza de Bolívar, the seat of state powers. These were dispersed with minor damage reported.

In Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, disturbances were brought under control by early Monday morning. Preliminary reports indicated vandalism at 15 photo-enforcement posts, damage to four stations of the MIO transport system, one damaged bus, four injured individuals, and two arrests. Mayor Alejandro Eder announced a reward of up to 200 million pesos (approximately $50,000) for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible for the violence.

“

The violent events were concentrated in a single sector of the city.

The final results of the election are pending confirmation through an official scrutiny process, which involves over 9,000 judges and notaries and is expected to take place in the coming days. The preliminary count showed De la Espriella securing 12.9 million votes (49.66%) against Cepeda's 12.7 million (48.70%).

“

up to 200 million pesos for anyone who provides information that allows identifying and capturing those responsible.