Washington.- U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated far-right Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella this Tuesday on his victory in the first round of the elections and expressed his “full and complete support” ahead of the runoff on June 21st.
On his Truth Social account, Trump described De la Espriella as an “intelligent, strong, and determined” leader who fights for his country and assured that, if he were to reach the Presidency, he would boost economic growth, job creation, trade, the fight against crime and drug trafficking, as well as the restoration of “law and order“.
The U.S. president also highlighted the importance of the runoff for the future of Colombia and for the bilateral relationship with the United States, noting that the Colombian candidate will face a contender from what he calls the “radical left” in the definitive elections.
Trump also stated that it was an “honor” to grant De la Espriella his endorsement, citing both his professional achievements and his political support for the American president, and concluded by assuring that ‘El Tigre’ will not disappoint the Colombian people.
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The Republican’s congratulation comes hours after Colombia’s National Registry ratified that 99.94% of the preliminary count results have been scrutinized, placing de la Espriella as the most voted candidate, followed by leftist Iván Cepeda, with both set to contest the Presidency in a runoff on June 21st.
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) ruled out today “any manipulation” of the data in both the preliminary count and the scrutiny of the votes from the first round of the presidential elections and highlighted that the elections were conducted in an “orderly, transparent and fluid” manner.
