EU observers endorse Colombia runoff count as Petro disputes result

A European Union observation mission said the counting process for Colombia’s presidential runoff was transparent and efficient, finding no irregularities. The team of about 150 observers, led by mission chief Esteban González Pons, noted that Colombian legislation was followed and that the count showed conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of former President Gustavo Petro’s preferred successor by roughly one percentage point (about 251,000 votes).

Petro and his ally Iván Cepeda have challenged the results, alleging fraud and planning to contest more than 30,000 voting stations while a recount is underway. Over 26 million voters participated, including 426,000 who selected a protest “no‑name” option and 29,000 blank ballots. The EU mission will continue monitoring the recount and issue a final report in September.