Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Colombia Presidential Election

With 99.91 percent of ballots counted, Espriella of the Homeland Defense Movement secured 49.65 percent of the vote in the run-off election, while left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda of the ruling Historical Pact Alliance received 48.70 percent.

The margin between the two candidates stood at 0.30 percent, with a vote difference of 246,355.

Espriella, who received what Trump described as “full and unconditional” support, was declared the winner based on the preliminary results of the National Civil Registry.

Following the vote count, Espriella, who was monitoring results in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla, announced his victory on social media.

“We have won against pressure in the shadow of weapons, attempts to buy votes, traditional parties, corruption and guerrillas. Colombia is the winner,” he said.

Trump also commented on the outcome in a post on social media, resharing a report noting his support for the right-wing candidate and writing: “He won in a landslide.”