Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella holds a slim lead in Colombia's presidential election early Monday as opponent Jorge Cepeda challenges the count, the Associated Press reports. If de la Espriella wins, he is expected to restore diplomatic ties with Israel, severed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro in May 2024.
Opponent Jorge Cepeda has challenged the vote count in Colombia's presidential election as right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella holds a razor-thin lead early Monday, according to the Associated Press. The challenge comes as the count nears completion, leaving the outcome uncertain and likely extending the wait for a winner.
As The Zioneer first reported at 22:28 Jerusalem on Sunday, de la Espriella was projected to win the election based on exit polls showing him with 50.1% of the vote. By 02:07 Jerusalem Monday, the race had tightened significantly, with de la Espriella's lead narrowing to a margin that prompted Cepeda's challenge. Support for de la Espriella has been driven by his pledge to reverse outgoing President Gustavo Petro's May 2024 severing of diplomatic relations with Israel, as The Zioneer noted in its first bulletin at 22:28.
The Zioneer further reported at 03:12 Jerusalem that former Colombian President César Gaviria, a Liberal Party leader, publicly endorsed de la Espriella, expressing confidence he would uphold the 1991 constitution and fulfill his campaign commitments. A de la Espriella win would restore a closely aligned partner for Israel in Bogotá, including his pledge to move the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem, as The Zioneer reported.
What remains open: Neither candidate has formally claimed victory or conceded. The tight margin suggests a potential recount or runoff scenario, though Colombia's electoral authority has not yet issued an official update.
4 developments
- DevelopingColombia's Petro refuses to recognize election result, alleges Israel interference
- DevelopingFormer Colombian President Gaviria endorses de la Espriella, voices trust he will uphold the 1991 constitution
- DevelopingColombia's congressional disciplinary committee suspends President Petro pending election-interference probe
- DevelopingPeru election too close to call, winner undecided
Source and signal
- Internal intake