'I am the right president' - De La Espriella makes final appeal to Colombian voters

Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella used his final campaign rally to argue that he is the leader best equipped to guide the country through what he described as a historic moment.

Addressing hundreds of supporters in Valle del Cauca on Sunday, de la Espriella focused his message on leadership, change and the challenges facing Colombia ahead of the June 21 runoff election against Ivan Cepeda.

"I am convinced that I am the right man, the right president, for the historic moment our country is facing," de la Espriella told the crowd.

The candidate said the election represented more than a political contest, describing it as a turning point for the country.

"There are generations that manage history, and there are generations like ours that define it. We were called to change the history of Colombia," he said.

Supporters gathered waving flags and chanting in support of the candidate as he delivered his closing campaign message.

Many attendees said concerns over security and the country's future were driving their support for de la Espriella.

"Colombia needs change. We need to recover the safe Colombia that so many people feel has been lost," one supporter said.

Others pointed to ongoing violence in rural areas.

"I am a farmer, and I have faith in Abelardo de la Espriella as the future president of Colombia. We in the countryside have suffered greatly because of this violence," another supporter added.

According to official first-round results released by Colombia's National Civil Registry, de la Espriella received 43.7 per cent of the vote, while rival Ivan Cepeda secured 40.9 per cent.

Colombian voters will return to the polls on June 21 to choose the country's next president for the 2026-2030 term.