Abelardo de la Espriella votes in Barranquilla and assures that Colombia will define its future at the polls

Barranquilla, Colombia.– The far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella exercised his right to vote this Sunday in the city of Barranquilla during the first round of the presidential elections in Colombia, on a day in which more than 41 million citizens were called to the polls.

De la Espriella, a candidate from the Defenders of the Homeland movement, went to the La Enseñanza school accompanied by a large security detail and dozens of supporters who showed their support. Before casting his vote, he raised his fists in a sign of strength and made his characteristic campaign greeting. After voting, the candidate stated that the day represents a transcendental decision for the country and expressed confidence in the election results. "Today, freedom and democracy are defined. We are going to defeat tyranny in the first round," he declared to local media after casting his vote.

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The polls released in the days leading up to the elections placed De la Espriella among the main contenders for the Presidency, disputing the top spots alongside the official candidate Iván Cepeda and Senator Paloma Valencia. However, the polls also pointed to the possibility of a second round due to the fragmentation of the vote. During the campaign, the lawyer and businessman focused his speech on security proposals, combating illegal armed groups, and criticisms of the policies promoted by President Gustavo Petro. His candidacy has gained notoriety for a tough-on-crime message and for presenting himself as an alternative to the traditional political establishment. De la Espriella will remain in Barranquilla for the rest of the election day, where he will follow the scrutiny and receive the official results with his campaign team.