Colombia president-elect urges vote result respect

Colombia's president-elect Abelardo De la Espriella urged people to respect his election victory “without ambiguity” after outgoing President Gustavo Petro cast doubt on the result.

De la Espriella said the “sovereign will of the Colombian people, expressed at the ballot box” must be respected and said international support for his win showed the importance of preserving constitutional order and ensuring a political transition.

Petro, who was barred by the constitution from seeking a second term, said he had proof of vote fraud in the June runoff and called on supporters to protest on July 20, when he is also due to give his farewell address as president.

De la Espriella has accused Petro, without providing evidence, of plotting a “coup” before he takes office on August 7. Petro has since promised a “peaceful transition.”

The United States and 12 members of its Shields of the Americas alliance in Latin America called on all authorities in Bogota to conduct a peaceful transfer of power.