Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella suspended the presidential transition process with outgoing President Gustavo Petro on July 7, 2026, accusing Petro of planning a coup to remain in power. The suspension follows Petro’s refusal to recognize de la Espriella’s victory in the June 21 presidential run-off election against Petro coalition candidate Senator Ivan Cepeda. Petro alleged fraud but did not provide evidence.
De la Espriella, a conservative candidate endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, claimed in a social media video that Petro and Cepeda were attempting to "cling to power at all costs" through a coup d’état by rejecting the election outcome. He called on Colombia’s armed forces to uphold their oath to protect the Constitution and democracy and to disobey any orders from Petro that contradict this duty.
Additionally, de la Espriella urged the international community to monitor the transfer of power and encouraged his supporters to "resist" until his scheduled inauguration on August 7. The transition process, known as "empalme," has been fraught with mutual accusations between the political rivals.
Petro has not immediately responded to de la Espriella’s accusations.
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