Far-right candidate De la Espriella votes in Colombia, confident of victory

Abelardo de la Espriella, the far-right candidate for Defensores de la Patria, cast his vote in Barranquilla on Sunday, expressing strong conviction that he will win the Colombian presidency in the runoff election and succeed Gustavo Petro.

"We have to defeat tyranny... We will defeat the regime with the fervor of the Colombian people and the help of God. Today Colombia wins, firm for the homeland," De la Espriella stated after voting. He arrived at his polling station, Colegio La Enseñanza, dressed in a Colombian national soccer team jersey and a panama hat adorned with a tricolor ribbon. He was accompanied by his wife, Ana Lucía Pineda, their four children, and a crowd chanting "President, president," "Out Petro," and "Firm for the homeland," the slogan of his campaign.

Surrounded by a heavy security detail, the candidate allowed his youngest daughter, Francesca, to cast his vote. Afterward, De la Espriella made a military salute, a gesture he has frequently used during his presidential campaign. He lingered at the polling station, taking photos with supporters, listening to people, and embracing elder attendees.

"Democracy wins today," De la Espriella told reporters outside the polling station, as the crowd continued to chant his name. Earlier, he posted on X, "Today is the most important game for Colombia. Today we decide the future of our homeland and the future of our children. With God's help and the support of millions of Colombians, we will win this democratic battle."

His running mate, former Finance Minister José Manuel Restrepo, also voted early in Bogotá, accompanied by his wife and wearing a similar soccer jersey. "Today is the time to build Colombia's future with optimism and hope," Restrepo told reporters, also taking photos with supporters.

Opinion polls for the runoff show De la Espriella, who has received support from former U.S. President Donald Trump, leading leftist Iván Cepeda, an ally of Petro's Pacto Histórico party. In the first round on May 31, De la Espriella, known as 'El Tigre' by his supporters, secured 10.3 million votes (43.78%), while Cepeda received 9.7 million (40.98%). The first round saw a 57.88% voter turnout.