Key facts
- Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia's presidential election.
- De la Espriella is a conservative political newcomer.
- He was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
- His platform includes tough-on-crime measures.
- His platform includes building mega-prisons.
- The election result signals a right-wing shift in Colombia.
- The result has sparked protests and celebrations across the country.
- China has congratulated the president-elect.
Conservative political newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia's presidential election, securing an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump. This victory signals a significant right-wing shift in the nation's political landscape and suggests a potential alignment with the Trump administration's policies.
De la Espriella's platform centers on implementing tough-on-crime measures and constructing mega-prisons. The narrow victory has triggered a divided reaction across Colombia, with both protests and celebrations erupting nationwide. China has extended congratulations to the president-elect, indicating potential international engagement.
The election outcome represents a departure from previous political trends in Colombia, with de la Espriella's US-backed campaign resonating with a segment of the electorate seeking a more conservative approach to governance and security.