Abelardo De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, appears to have won Colombia's presidential election, according to preliminary results from Sunday's runoff.

De la Espriella, who has no prior elected political experience, ran on a tough-on-crime platform and secured 49.7% of the vote with 99% of ballots counted nationwide. His victory, if formalized, would mark a significant shift in Colombian politics, potentially strengthening ties with the United States under a conservative leader.

The lawyer campaigned on a promise to build 10 "mega-prisons" inspired by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, aiming to address rising violence in the South American nation. Former President Trump publicly endorsed De la Espriella earlier this month, stating that the election's outcome was crucial for Colombia's future and its relationship with the U.S.

De la Espriella's opponent, Senator Iván Cepeda, a long-time left-wing politician, received 49.7% of the vote. The close race indicates a divided electorate, with implications for national unity and policy direction.

Colombia's current president, Gustavo Petro, has raised concerns about the election results, citing alleged irregularities at polling stations and voicing his doubts on social media. These claims could lead to challenges or further scrutiny of the final tally.

Elizabeth Dickinson, deputy director for Latin America at the International Crisis Group, observed that the vote reflected a societal split, with "half of Colombians voted for a 'hard-handed security crackdown,' while she said the other half voted for social and economic reforms." She added that the incoming president will need to "find a midpoint that unites the country."

If De la Espriella's win is confirmed, he is expected to become a prominent conservative voice in Latin America. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated De la Espriella, expressing anticipation for collaboration on regional security, curbing illegal immigration, and enhancing economic ties.

De la Espriella, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Colombia, represents a new wave of conservative leadership in the region. His policy proposals, particularly on security, are closely watched by both domestic and international observers.