(Cali, Colombia, April 21, CNA Foreign News) -- Following the conclusion of Colombia's presidential election, protests erupted in Cali, the nation's third-largest city, with demonstrators burning the U.S. flag and clashing with riot police after far-right candidate Espriella, who received support from U.S. President Trump, won by a narrow margin.
According to AFP, police deployed tear gas in an attempt to disperse thousands of protesters, some of whom expressed their anger with bricks and clubs over Espriella's victory.
After vote counting was completed in almost all polling centers, Espriella secured 49.66% of the vote, while left-wing candidate Senator Ivan Cepeda received 48.70%.
Espriella, 47, is expected to improve strained relations with Washington and continue the trend of right-wing candidates taking office across Latin America.
President-elect Espriella stated in a series of social media posts, "Today, Colombia won the most important game." He added that he had spoken with U.S. President Trump, who expressed his congratulations and support.
Espriella, who narrowly defeated his left-wing opponent in a fiercely divisive election campaign, vowed today to uphold democratic principles and govern for "all Colombians."
Speaking at his victory rally in Barranquilla, Espriella declared that after ending what has been the most violent election campaign in decades, he would restore social order and usher in a "new era" for the country, while also extending an olive branch.
He said, "My government will be an absolutely democratic government that guarantees freedom and institutional order. I will be the president of all Colombians." (Compiled by Chang Hsiao-wen) 1150622
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- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: 政治