Machado congratulates de la Espriella on Colombian election win

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado congratulated the Colombian people on their exemplary electoral process and endorsed presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella following his strong performance in the first round of elections. Machado conveyed her best wishes to de la Espriella for the upcoming runoff.

"My congratulations to the Colombian people for an exemplary electoral day and to its winner @ABDELAESPRIELLA (Abelardo de la Espriella), to whom I wish much success in the next stage," Machado posted on X. Preliminary results showed de la Espriella leading with 43.74% of the vote, ahead of leftist senator Iván Cepeda with 40.90%. The two will face each other in a second round scheduled for June 21.

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My congratulations to the Colombian people for an exemplary electoral day and to its winner @ABDELAESPRIELLA, to whom I wish much success in the next stage.

Machado expressed her belief that the electoral process will fortify Colombia's democratic institutions and stimulate its economic growth and security. "I trust that this process will strengthen Colombia's democratic institutions and boost its economic growth and security," she stated. The Venezuelan leader also drew parallels between the Colombian election results and the political and security situation in Venezuela, highlighting shared challenges in combating regional criminal networks.

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I trust that this process will strengthen Colombia's democratic institutions and boost its economic growth and security.

"Venezuelans need a strong and united Colombia to jointly dismantle the criminal networks and communism that have brought so much pain and misery to our people," Machado declared. De la Espriella, a lawyer and leader of the Defensores de la Patria movement, centered his campaign on security, combating organized crime, and economic growth.

Machado also acknowledged the support provided by various Colombian leaders to the Venezuelan democratic cause over the years, specifically mentioning Paloma Valencia, former President Álvaro Uribe, and others who have embraced the Venezuelan struggle.

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Venezuelans need a strong and united Colombia to jointly dismantle the criminal networks and communism that have brought so much pain and misery to our people.