Progressive candidate Iván Cepeda on Wednesday conceded Colombia's presidential election to Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative outsider who was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Election results showed de la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer who had never run for office, defeated Cepeda, a lawmaker, by 1 percentage point, or nearly 251,000 votes.
"We assume with serenity, responsibility, and absolute resolve — and let there be no doubt about it — the role that circumstances assign us," Cepeda said at a news conference in Bogota.
De la Espriella was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who during the pre-election voting described him as "a leader who will make Colombia great again."
Cepeda was a member of the ruling Historic Pact coalition and a close ally of former President Gustavo Petro. During his campaign, he promised to fight social inequality and continue peace agreements.
In his victory speech, de la Espriella promised to "restore Colombia," planning economic growth, enhanced security, and fighting corruption.
According to the electoral commission, after 99.9% of votes were counted, de la Espriella received 50.5% of the vote, while Cepeda received 49.5%. This was one of the closest presidential elections in Colombia's history.
After conceding defeat, Cepeda congratulated de la Espriella, noting "the victory of democracy." He also called on his supporters to remain peaceful and promised to "continue the fight for our future."
De la Espriella's victory marks a sharp shift to the right from Colombia's left-wing government. He will take office on August 7.