Colombia has elected a new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, in a closely contested runoff that has ignited protests and concerns over a political shift.

Context

The election reflects deep divisions within Colombian society, with reactions ranging from celebration to protests against the right-wing victory.S1S2

Key points

• Abelardo de la Espriella won the presidential runoff with a narrow margin of 49.7 percent of the vote.S2

• His opponent, Ivan Cepeda, plans to challenge the election results from over 30,000 voting stations.S2

• De la Espriella is a far-right lawyer and businessman who received support from Donald Trump.S2

• The election outcome has led to protests from those opposing the rightward shift in Colombian politics.S1

• Supporters of Cepeda view the election results as a threat to progressive policies.S1

• The political climate in Colombia remains tense following the election results.S1

• De la Espriella's victory is seen as a significant change in Colombia's political landscape.S1

• The election has raised concerns about potential instability in the country.S1

Why it matters

• The election results may influence Colombia's future policies and governance style.S1

• Protests indicate a significant portion of the population is dissatisfied with the election outcome.S1

• The involvement of international figures like Donald Trump highlights the global implications of the election.S2

What to watch

• Monitor the response from Ivan Cepeda and his supporters regarding the election challenge.S2

• Watch for developments in the protests and public reactions across Colombia.S1

• Observe how De la Espriella's administration will address the divisions within Colombian society.S1