Cali Erupts in Protests, US Flag Burning After Colombia's Presidential Poll

Colombia's third-largest city, Cali, experienced widespread unrest as demonstrators set American flags ablaze and engaged in confrontations with riot police. This occurred following the narrow victory of hard-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who had received an endorsement from former US President Donald Trump. Authorities deployed tear gas to disperse the thousands-strong crowd, some of whom were observed wielding bricks and metal bars, expressing their fury over de la Espriella's win.

With nearly all voting centers reporting, Abelardo de la Espriella secured 49.66 percent of the votes, marginally ahead of his left-wing rival, Senator Ivan Cepeda, who garnered 48.70 percent. The triumph of the 47-year-old is anticipated to improve what have been strained relations with Washington and further solidify a trend of right-leaning leaders coming to power across the Latin American region.

The newly elected hard-right president, after a deeply divisive contest against his leftist opponent, pledged on Sunday to uphold democratic principles and govern for “all Colombians.” He made these remarks following his narrow victory in the presidential runoff.

In a series of updates on social media, the president-elect declared, “Today Colombia won its most important game.” He also confirmed that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, who extended his congratulations and offered support for the new administration.

During his victory address delivered in Barranquilla, Abelardo de la Espriella promised to restore order in the nation after what has been described as the most violent political campaign in a decade. He vowed to usher in a “new era” for Colombia, while also adopting a conciliatory tone. He stated, “Mine will be an absolutely democratic government and a guarantor of freedom and institutional order. I will be president for all Colombians.”