President Gustavo Petro has triggered a political storm in Colombia after alleging foreign interference and digital manipulation in a tightly contested presidential runoff, claims that authorities have firmly rejected.
Preliminary results from Colombia’s presidential runoff on Sunday show a razor-thin victory for right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella over Senator Ivan Cepeda, with 49.66% to 48.7%, according to the National Registry.
The margin, less than one percentage point, makes it one of the closest national elections in the country’s recent history. De la Espriella is set to take office on Aug. 7 after a campaign centered on tougher security measures and a sharp break from left-wing policies.
The result follows a first round on May 31 that forced a runoff after neither candidate crossed the 50% threshold.
Petro rejects results and alleges fraud
