Colombia president-elect seeks military-base swearing-in

Colombia's right-wing president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella said on Monday that he wants to be sworn in at a military facility in the south of the country, despite opposition from outgoing President Gustavo Petro.

Petro ordered on Sunday that no military establishment be used for the August 7 inauguration. The law says the ceremony must take place before Congress in Bogota.

De la Espriella said on social media that he would be sworn in at a military garrison in southern Colombia as a tribute to military personnel and others he described as protecting democracy, freedom and institutional stability.

Because he does not have a majority, de la Espriella has asked the new Congress, which is due to convene on July 20, to allow the ceremony to be held on a military base. Experts cited in the report said it would be complicated to bring all members of Congress to the chosen location.

De la Espriella campaigned on hardline security policies and supported military action against criminal groups. Petro alleges fraud in the runoff vote and has called on his supporters to protest on July 20, when he is also expected to deliver his farewell address as president.