Pro-Israel Right-Winger Wins Colombia's Presidential Election Amid Fraud Claims

Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espría won Colombia’s presidential election, marking a political turnaround in the country. Reuters reported that de la Espría said U.S. President Donald Trump called to congratulate him on the win.

Official results from more than 99% of ballots gave de la Espría 49.67% of the vote, an insurmountable lead over left-wing rival Iván Cepeda, who received 48.69%. Cepeda, the losing candidate, accused Israel of influencing the election, while outgoing President Gustavo Petro said he would also challenge the result. Cepeda’s team said it would appeal results from more than 30,000 polling stations. The report noted that no recount has ever changed the outcome of a presidential election in Colombia.

Supporters in Bogotá shouted “Petro out! Petro out!” and honked car horns. On social media, Trump wrote, “He won, big!” De la Espría, known as “the Tiger,” holds both Colombian and U.S. citizenship, supports Trump, and is a member of the U.S. Republican Party.

For Israel, the result is favorable. De la Espría promised to restore diplomatic ties with Israel immediately and to renew the strategic alliance with the United States. He also vowed to “defend the Judeo-Christian principles that are the basis of Western civilization.”