Outgoing President Petro Reiterates Election Fraud Allegations Ahead of Inauguration

President Gustavo Petro again claimed the June vote was rigged, even as the incoming president Abelardo de la Espriella prepares to be sworn in.

Gustavo Petro, Colombia's outgoing president, used a one-hour media session to repeat claims that the June presidential election was fraudulent, alleging manipulation of tally-sheet data by programmers after transmission to the national registrar. Both foreign observers and Colombia's own electoral judges have rejected the allegations, certifying conservative lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella as the winner by 250,000 votes.

De la Espriella will be inaugurated in a joint congressional session on Friday. Petro labeled the election "obscure" and suggested foreign interference, while also calling for the creation of "liberation guard" committees in rural areas to oppose military units he says collude with criminal groups. Ivan Cepeda, Petro's ally, announced plans for protests and will not recognize the new president until certain conditions, including renouncing dual U.S. citizenship, are met.

Political scientist Andres Macias warned that Petro's statements might legitimize civilian armed resistance in already conflict-ridden zones. Petro expressed fear of being forced out of the country after his term ends, insisting he cannot accept what he describes as electoral fraud.