SAN JOSE DEL GUAVIARE — Abelardo de la Espriella, a 47-year-old criminal defense lawyer with no prior political experience, is competing in the final round of Colombia's presidential election. He won the first round in May with 44 percent of the vote and will face Senator Ivan Cepeda in the run-off.

De la Espriella, nicknamed "The Tiger," has campaigned on a platform of tough-on-crime policies. His proposals include building 10 privately run mega-prisons and lengthening criminal sentences if elected president. He has also threatened to shoot down aircraft found carrying drugs.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed de la Espriella's presidential campaign. According to AtlasIntel polling data, de la Espriella's support was estimated at 52 percent as of June 13.

De la Espriella has represented former President Alvaro Uribe in court. Uribe has been accused of concealing ties to paramilitaries. He also represented Alex Saab, a Colombian national who formerly served as a minister in the Venezuelan government. De la Espriella has various business ventures, including menswear, rum, whiskey, and a restaurant in the Miami area. He has also released classical music albums.

Colombia has experienced an internal armed conflict for more than 60 years. Luisa Castro, a former business owner, voted for Gustavo Petro in the 2022 presidential election. Castro said, "I turned to Abelardo de la Espriella because he is someone we've never seen in politics before. He's different." She said, "I had a business that went bankrupt in two years because of extortion." Castro said, "I'm hoping Abelardo will win and his government will dismantle these violent groups." She added, "They are making fun of us. They're mocking the victims. They have no intention of total peace."

Duque served as President of Colombia prior to Gustavo Petro. Duque's administration faced corruption scandals, including allegations of ties to organized crime. De la Espriella stated, "I, Abelardo de la Espriella, am capable of bombing, fumigating and striking with an iron fist against criminals and the corrupt, while embracing and protecting law-abiding Colombians."