Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has narrowly won Colombia's presidential election, an initial vote count shows, marking a dramatic shift in how the government will tackle the country's internal armed conflict and violence. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.

De la Espriella, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, has pledged a military crackdown on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and crime. He appeared to defeat left-wing Iván Cepeda, a close ally of President Gustavo Petro.

De la Espriella said: "Today begins a new stage for our country, a stage built on the free and democratic will of millions of citizens who chose to believe in a great, safe, prosperous Colombia full of opportunities."

With over 99% of votes counted, de la Espriella had won nearly 49.7% of the vote, while Cepeda won 48.7%. Cepeda has not conceded, saying the preliminary count was "not yet official or binding".

De la Espriella, raised in the Caribbean coastal region, enjoyed significant regional support there. Addressing supporters in Barranquilla, he said: "Tonight marks the beginning of a new story for the nation, tonight a new era begins, a change of order."

He pledged loyalty to the 1991 constitution. Supporters donned yellow football jerseys, waved Colombian flags, and chanted "stand firm for the homeland" and "Petro out!".

Trump responded on Truth Social: "He Won, BIG!"

Cepeda's supporters voiced concerns. Student and activist Catalina La Grande said: "Such a narrow margin also worries us, because it reflects how divided the country is and the enormous challenges we face in defending democracy, peace, and people's rights."

Late Sunday, clashes erupted in Cali between protesters and police, with demonstrators burning US flags and police using tear gas.

Petro may challenge the result. He posted on X that "neither can be proclaimed president" after a "pre-count result" and demanded an audit of voting software.

De la Espriella is a lawyer and businessman with no prior political experience. His clients included Alex Saab, an ally of Venezuela's ousted president Nicolás Maduro, and David Murcia Guzman, one of Colombia's biggest fraudsters.

He has drawn comparisons with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele for his security policies and beard style. He often wears the Colombian national football jersey and does military-style salutes.