Right-wing lawyer Abelardo De la Espriella declared victory in Colombia's presidential election based on initial results. He received 49.7 percent of the vote compared to 48.7 percent for leftist Senator Iván Cepeda. The Trump administration offered congratulations shortly after the tally emerged.
De la Espriella posted on X that national dignity and hope had triumphed. He described the outcome as the night democracy shone and Colombia marked a new order called the Homeland Miracle.
Leftist President Gustavo Petro stated that no winner could be declared until judges certify the results. He alleged that voting machines had been compromised by Israel, claiming software was altered and data written for polling stations.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed De la Espriella earlier this month, posted that the candidate won big. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration looked forward to working with the incoming government on security, immigration, and economic ties.
De la Espriella campaigned on a law-and-order platform targeting crime, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and rebel groups. The election follows recent right-wing victories in several other Latin American countries.
