Trump ally Abelardo de la Espriella tops Colombia presidential vote ahead of runoff

Colombia’s presidential election is heading to a runoff after tough-on-crime candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and progressive senator Ivan Cepeda emerged as the top two contenders in first-round vote on Sunday.

De la Espriella, a political newcomer, secured nearly 44 per cent of the vote, according to Colombia’s electoral authorities.

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However, he fell short of the 50 percent needed to avoid a second round later this month.

Cepeda, an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, won just under 41 percent after campaigning on continuing efforts towards “total peace” through negotiations with armed groups.

Centrist candidate Paloma Valencia finished a distant third with less than seven percent.

The result highlights growing political divisions in Colombia as voters weigh security concerns against progressive reforms.

De la Espriella has openly aligned himself with US President Donald Trump and promised to crack down on criminal organisations, including plans to build mega-prisons similar to policies adopted in El Salvador.

“In 21 days we’re going to change the history of Colombia,” de la Espriella told supporters during celebrations in Barranquilla.

The election comes amid rising violence and renewed debate over the future of Colombia’s peace process, nearly a decade after the country signed its landmark agreement with FARC rebels.