{"id":291213,"date":"2026-05-31T22:49:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T22:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/291213\/"},"modified":"2026-05-31T22:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T22:49:10","slug":"supporters-rally-for-colombian-candidates-in-coral-gables","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/291213\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporters rally for Colombian candidates in Coral Gables"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Luciana<\/p>\n

Luciana Munoz poses with the Colombian flag as people celebrate across from the Colombian Consulate in Coral Gables after voting on Sunday, May 31.<\/p>\n

Alie Skowronski<\/p>\n

Alie Skowronski<\/p>\n

Dozens of Colombians sang, cheered and danced on the streets of Coral Gables outside the Colombian Consulate as voters cast their ballots Sunday for the country\u2019s next president.<\/p>\n

The top three candidates are Iv\u00e1n Cepeda of the leftist Historic Pact and two conservatives, Paloma Valencia of the Democratic Center and independent Abelardo De la Espriella If no candidate captures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election is scheduled for June 21.<\/p>\n

The winner, who is expected to take office Aug. 7, will replace term-limited President Gustavo Petro.<\/p>\n

The election is being held amid serious concerns about violence increasingly spreading<\/a> throughout the country, including the killing of a journalist, a bus bombing that left at least 21 people dead and the shooting of presidential candidate, according to reports. Much of the debate in the country has been about how to curb the violence. Critics of Petro say he has failed to address safety concerns with his plans and Cepeda, his party\u2019s candidate, will be more of the same. Both Valencia and De la Espriella present more hardline positions.<\/p>\n

\"Ryan Ryan Gomez sells shirts across from the Colombian Consulate as voters go in to cast their vote in their country\u2019s presidential election. Alie Skowronski <\/p>\n

In Coral Gables, supporters of opposition candidates Valencia and De la Espriella set up stands Sunday near the consulate, located at 280 Aragon Ave.<\/p>\n

Oswaldo Ortiz, 42, of Miami, was one of the organizers for De la Espriella, who is nicknamed, \u201cThe Tiger.\u201d De la Espriella\u2019s supporters worked to rally Colombian voters to the polls in Miami, Orlando, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other major hubs, he said.<\/p>\n

De la Espriella had very vocal support at the Coral Gables polling site. As his fans cheered and shouted, a girl dressed in a tiger costume popped out of the sunroof of a passing car. One woman danced on the corner in a blow-up costume of a person riding a tiger. Many of the voters told the Herald they voted for De la Espriella.<\/p>\n

De la Espriella ran on the promise of saving the nation, which Ortiz said echoes United States President Donald Trump\u2019s Make America Great Again pitch to voters. De la Espriella\u2019s campaign slogan is \u201cFirme por la patria,\u201d or \u201cSteadfast for our nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Oswaldo Oswaldo Ortiz, left, and others celebrate across from the Colombian Consulate after voting in their country\u2019s presidential election. Alie Skowronski <\/p>\n

Alfred Santamaria of Miami was one of the organizers for Valencia. He said this is one of the more contentious Colombian elections he\u2019s seen. Many are passionate about not voting for another candidate in the runoff if their first choice loses, he said.<\/p>\n

Santamaria said Valencia has served as a senator since 2014 and has a proven track record of success. She hasn\u2019t been involved in any major political scandals and has been a strong leader for over a decade.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like experience \u2014 12 years of experience speaks loudly,\u201d Santamaria said.<\/p>\n

In South Florida, the six precincts available for voting closed at 4 p.m. Election results were expected Sunday night.<\/p>\n

\"People People walk out of the tent set up outside for voting at the Colombian Consulate. Alie Skowronski <\/p>\n

This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 6:17 PM.<\/p>\n


\n \"Profile
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