The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement yesterday in which it “congratulates the Colombian people for the development of an electoral process that has been accompanied by the observation missions of the European Union and the Organization of American States, in which Spain has participated.”
The statement adds that “the Government of Spain congratulates Abelardo de la Espriella for his electoral victory and reiterates its willingness to continue promoting the strategic relationship between Spain and Colombia, based on shared values, particularly in the Ibero-American space that both countries promote.”
Ivan Cepeda, the leftist candidate sponsored by the current president Gustavo Petro, admitted yesterday his defeat in the presidential elections held last Sunday in Colombia and accepted the victory of the far-right Abelardo de la Espriella, who won the elections by less than one point difference, (49.8%).
“As the candidate of the Historical Pact and the Alliance for Life, I have decided to accept the result of this process, which indicates that Abelardo de la Espriella is the new president of the Republic,” Cepeda stated yesterday in a speech to the nation. Cepeda described his decision as an “act of democratic responsibility” and emphasized that his goal is to contribute to coexistence, peace, and dialogue among Colombians.”
The leftist leader had previously indicated that he would not accept his defeat until the electoral authorities verified the recount and requested to contest 33,000 polling stations. However, after the national registrar confirmed that the final vote count matched the provisional count, Cepeda has acknowledged the victory of his opponent.