Right-wing populist politician Abelardo de la Espriella, who is also a supporter of Donald Trump, appears to have won the second round of Colombia’s presidential election, bringing an end to the period of left-wing rule in the Latin American country.
According to preliminary results, with more than 99 percent of the votes counted, De la Espriella secured 49.65 percent of the vote, while his rival, Ivan Cepeda, backed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro, received 48.71 percent.
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However, the final result will be certified only after the electoral authorities review all records and any possible legal appeals.
“I want to be remembered as the rebuilder of the nation, because Colombia deserves to become what it is destined to be, a Wonder Nation,” De la Espriella wrote on social media after the preliminary results were released.
The winning candidate, known by the nickname “The Tiger,” is a former criminal defense lawyer and an outspoken supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly backed him during the election campaign. He will take office on August 7 for a four-year term.
