Trump-backed outsider wins Colombia election, initial count shows

Trump-backed outsider wins Colombia election, initial count shows11 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleIone WellsBarranquilla, ColombiaBBCCrowds celebrated on the streets of BarranquillaThe right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has narrowly won Colombia's presidential election, according to the initial vote count, marking a dramatic shift in how the government will tackle the country's internal armed conflict and violence.Espriella, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, has pledged a military crackdown on illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and crime.He defeated the left-wing Iván Cepeda, a close ally of the current president, Gustavo Petro.Reacting to the result, he said "today begins a new stage for our country, a stage built on the free and democratic will of millions of citizens who chose to believe in a great, safe, prosperous Colombia full of opportunities."With over 99% of votes counted, De La Espriella had won nearly 49.7% of the vote, while Cepeda won 48.7%.But Petro may challenge the result. He posted on X that "neither can be proclaimed president" after a "pre-count result" and demanded an audit of voting software, making allegations that some polling stations were "compromised" without providing evidence.Espriella, who was raised in the Caribbean coastal region, enjoyed significant regional support there.In Barranquilla, a city on the coast, a huge crowd of supporters gathered to celebrate his result. All of them donned the Colombian yellow football jersey and waved Colombian flags. They sang and danced to music from a stage lit up with photos of Espriella's face, chanting, "stand firm for the homeland" and "Petro out!", before a fireworks display.Some wore hats akin to Donald Trump supporters, but saying "Make Colombia Great Again!"Trump responded to the result, writing on Truth Social, "He Won, BIG!""We are tired of the killings in this...