Story perspectives

Trump-backed Cepeda faces Petro heir Espriella in runoff

6/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The June 21, 2026 runoff pits Iván Cepeda, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, against Abelardo de la Espriella, Gustavo Petro’s heir.
Iván Cepeda received 41% of the vote while Abelardo de la Espriella led with 44% in the first round.
President Gustavo Petro alleged irregularities in the results without evidence.
Iván Cepeda filed a complaint with Attorney General and International Criminal Court accusing Abelardo de la Espriella of paramilitary ties, which Abelardo de la Espriella denied.

History

Historical Context

In 2002 Álvaro Uribe won Colombia’s presidency with 53 % of the vote after President Andrés Pastrana’s peace talks collapsed, gaining U.S. security aid under Plan Colombia and tacit support from the right-wing AUC paramilitary group. The 2026 runoff echoes that pattern, prompting renewed scrutiny by the Attorney General and the International Criminal Court over foreign endorsement and alleged paramilitary influence.

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Story summary

The June 21, 2026 runoff pits Iván Cepeda, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, against Abelardo de la Espriella, Gustavo Petro’s heir.
Iván Cepeda received 41% of the vote while Abelardo de la Espriella led with 44% in the first round.
President Gustavo Petro alleged irregularities in the results without evidence.
Iván Cepeda filed a complaint with Attorney General and International Criminal Court accusing Abelardo de la Espriella of paramilitary ties, which Abelardo de la Espriella denied.

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