securing a narrow victory over left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda in a closely contested race that signals a significant political shift in the South American nation. With only a few polling centres left to report, De la Espriella secured 49.65 per cent of the vote, ahead of Cepeda, who garnered 48.70 per cent. The 47-year-old lawyer, who has never held public office, campaigned on a tough security platform focused on combating drug-trafficking organisations and armed guerrilla groups. His victory is expected to strengthen Colombia’s ties with the United States and continue a trend of right-leaning electoral successes across Latin America. “Today Colombia won its most important game,” De la Espriella said in a series of social media posts after the result became clear. The president-elect also revealed that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, who congratulated him on his victory and pledged support. “We are grateful to God for this miracle that has taken place,” he added. As news of his victory spread, supporters flooded the streets of major Colombian cities, many dressed in the yellow national football jersey adopted by De la Espriella during his campaign. Waving flags and sounding horns, supporters expressed optimism that the politician, popularly known as “El Tigre” (The Tiger), would restore security following a campaign marked by guerrilla attacks and political violence, including the killing of a prominent conservative presidential hopeful. “I’m very happy,” said Daniela Oliveros, a supporter in Barranquilla. “I believe a lot in the country, I believe a lot in freedom.” “Abelardo, at this moment, is giving us above all a sense of security, employment and dignity,” she added. Return of the right De la Espriella’s victory marks the return of Colombia’s right wing to power, a political tradition that has dominated much of the country’s modern history. However, the narrow margin of victory reflects deep divisions among voters. Analysts expect the incoming president to face significant challenges governing without a parliamentary majority, while protests from opposition supporters are also anticipated. The result is likely to have major implications for Colombia’s fragile peace process. During the campaign, De la Espriella pledged to end negotiations with dissident armed groups and launch a 90-day military offensive, including US-backed airstrikes, against criminal and guerrilla organisations. A decade after Colombia signed a landmark peace agreement with former FARC rebels, many regions have enjoyed greater stability and economic growth. Nevertheless, drug cartels and armed groups continue to operate in parts of the country, cocaine exports remain at record levels, and economic inequality persists. Cepeda withholds concession Cepeda stopped short of conceding defeat, saying he would wait for the completion of the official vote count and verification process before recognising the outcome. “Once the count has been completed and its final result is known, and the corresponding checks have been carried out, we will acknowledge the official result,” the senator told supporters. His campaign resonated with voters seeking greater social equality and those concerned that a hardline security approach could undermine Colombia’s efforts to maintain peace. “I’m very worried about what Abelardo might do in government,” said Santiago Galindo, a bank worker who voted for Cepeda. Galindo expressed concern over “how far his thirst for power could go and his willingness to trample over people without really caring about them.” As Colombia prepares for a new administration, attention will focus on how De la Espriella balances his promise of restoring security with the challenge of preserving democratic stability and the gains achieved through the country’s peace process.