De la Espriella wins Colombia presidential runoff by 1 percentage point in preliminary count

Electoral authorities in Colombia released preliminary results on 21 June 2026 showing Abelardo de la Espriella with 49.7 percent of the vote and Iván Cepeda with 48.7 percent after more than 99 percent of ballots were counted. The margin stood at less than one percentage point.

De la Espriella, a 47-year-old lawyer and businessman who has not previously held elected office, spoke to supporters in Barranquilla. He stated that the outcome marked the start of a new stage for the country and pledged to govern for all Colombians. He had received an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Cepeda told supporters that the preliminary count is not yet official or binding and that an official canvass and verification process would determine the final result. He stated he would challenge results from more than 30,000 voting stations.

Clashes occurred in Cali on election night between protesters and police. Demonstrators burned U.S. flags and officers used tear gas to disperse crowds.