Gustavo Petro files election nullity suit and threatens strike as Colombia prepares August transition

Outgoing President Gustavo Petro has filed a nullity lawsuit before Colombia’s Council of State alleging algorithmic manipulation of the June 21 presidential runoff. The demand, presented by a group of “digital witnesses” of about 70,000 people, seeks a new count of overseas votes and aims to overturn the election of right‑wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, scheduled to assume office on 7 August 2026.

Petro has repeatedly claimed fraud, promised to release “proof” and warned he would call a “general and indefinite strike” if the incoming government revokes his labour, agrarian and social reforms. In his final public speeches he also criticised the new president’s ties to the United States and announced the reallocation of roughly 970 million USD to address the expected El Niño drought.

Meanwhile, de la Espriella’s team is preparing a military‑base inauguration, with the Senate approving a proposal to hold the oath‑taking in a Cauca garrison. Governor Andrés Julián Rendón has urged the incoming administration to adopt a “Gaviria hour” to save electricity amid a looming energy shortfall.

All of these moves unfold as Colombia’s diplomatic corps is ordered to submit resignations ahead of the transition, and the political climate remains highly polarized.