Ivan Cepeda, the left‑wing candidate of Colombia's presidential runoff, has formally conceded defeat following a record‑setting turnout.
The runoff, held on June 20, saw a turnout of 43% of the electorate – the highest ever in Colombia – and the preliminary tally put Abelardo de la Espriella ahead by just 0.96 percentage points.
Cepeda, who had first announced he would wait for the legally binding final count, announced his acceptance on Wednesday in Bogota, describing the concession as an act of “democratic responsibility” meant to foster coexistence, peace and dialogue among Colombians.
During his address to journalists he criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for his endorsement of de la Espriella, calling it open and undue foreign interference. Trump had publicly praised the businessman after the first round and described Cepeda as a "radical left Marxist".
As the runner‑up, Cepeda will be entitled to a seat in the Senate, where he pledges to exercise a "democratic, vigilant and constructive opposition". He also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity after a deeply polarised election.
De la Espriella, who during the campaign warned that he would "gut the left", delivered a conciliatory victory speech, assuring those who disagree they would have nothing to fear. Since the runoff, he has cemented closer ties to the Trump administration, contrasting sharply with outgoing president Gustavo Petro, who frequently clashed with the U.S. counterpart.
President‑elect de la Espriella confirmed his acceptance of an invitation to join the "Shield of Americas", a U.S.‑led alliance aimed at combating criminal cartels and drug trafficking. His swearing‑in is scheduled for August 7.
