Without recognizing Abelardo's victory, Pacto announces a new political stage
The Historical Pact led by Senator Iván Cepeda has officially acknowledged defeat in the preliminary count results, which declared Abelardo de la Espriella as the winner. Despite raising over 57,000 complaints during the recount process, the party does not expect significant changes to the outcome. The Pact has announced a new political phase, positioning itself as the opposition leader under the incoming government, with Cepeda at the helm. To achieve this, they plan to hold a national convention to define their strategy and focus on defending democratic freedoms, social achievements, environmental justice, and building a shared agenda for Colombia’s future. They will also conduct nationwide assemblies, territorial meetings, and political committees to prepare for the 2027 local elections. Meanwhile, Juan Fernando Cristo, who served as Cepeda’s political operator, was the first to recognize de la Espriella’s victory after the initial scrutiny phase, which showed a 99.97% alignment with the preliminary count. Cepeda took responsibility for any campaign missteps and reiterated his commitment to ethical politics, rejecting easy compromises or superficial tactics.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.
In the second-round presidential election in Antioquia, Colombia, Abelardo De la Espriella secured victory with 2,185,834 votes, representing 64.4% of valid ballots. This marked an increase of over 462,000 votes compared to the first round, where he received 1,723,406 votes. In Medellín, the capital of Antioquia, De la Espriella obtained 819,285 votes, surpassing his first-round tally by 142,000 but falling short of reaching one million votes, which was a campaign goal. His main rival, Iván Cepeda, received 1,133,681 votes in Antioquia, an increase of more than 328,000 votes compared to the first round. In Medellín, Cepeda gained 421,839 votes, up from 300,729 in the first round. Overall voter participation in Antioquia reached 62.9%, slightly higher than the 58.9% recorded in the first round. The results reflect a trend similar to the 2022 second-round election, where Rodolfo Hernández won decisively in the region.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on voting outcomes and participation rates without overtly favoring either candidate. It provides comparative figures between rounds and historical context from 2022, maintaining neutrality in tone and framing.
Why these scores (Factual 98 · Objective 95): This article presents specific vote counts for Antioquia and Medellín, showing clear numerical data from the second round. It compares results with the first round and provides context about both candidates' performance. The tone is factual and balanced.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9221 days ago
Iván Cepeda, a presidential candidate in Colombia, presented a medical certificate confirming he is under periodic oncological follow-up after having been treated for colorectal cancer. The document, issued by his treating physician, clarifies that while he had a recurrence requiring further treatment, he has been in remission since 2022 and is currently undergoing regular monitoring.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information based on a medical certificate provided by Cepeda’s physician. It does not take a stance on Cepeda’s health status or political position but reports on the disclosure itself. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the certificate without overt褒
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 92): The article accurately describes Cepeda presenting his medical certificate regarding his cancer history. It includes direct quotes and details that match other sources. The tone is mostly neutral but slightly leans toward Cepeda’s perspective.
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8515 days ago
During the electoral scrutiny process in Medellín after the June 21 election results were announced, an incident occurred at Plaza Mayor where an individual was found carrying a firearm without proper authorization. The man was identified as the bodyguard of a member of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s campaign. The situation arose when supporters of Iván Cepeda’s campaign noticed the armed individual wearing a Colombia national team shirt and a vest. They alerted the police, who then requested the man to show his permit for carrying the weapon. The individual was later issued a fine and had the weapon confiscated. Both campaigns had representatives present during the scrutiny process, with allegations of procedural irregularities being raised by members of Cepeda’s team.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an event involving a political campaign and law enforcement during an electoral scrutiny process. It presents both sides’ perspectives—Cepeda’s campaign alleging irregularities and De la Espriella’s campaign members present at the event. The tone remains neutral, focusing on a
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): The article accurately reports on the incident involving an armed guard at the scrutiny process. It maintains neutrality while presenting both sides of the story.
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8521 days ago
The article discusses Abelardo de la Espriella's position as the favorite in the presidential runoff according to recent polls, drawing parallels with other right-wing populist leaders like José Antonio Kast in Chile, Daniel Noboa in Ecuador, and Javier Milei in Argentina. It notes their shared strategy of using an incendiary discourse, identifying a clear enemy, and appealing to voters disillusioned with the current establishment. The piece also references Franco Delle Done, author of 'Epidemia Ultra,' who argues that support from traditional politicians for such trends does not contain these
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual summary of political strategies without overtly favoring any side. It references experts and includes balanced perspectives on the political landscape.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): The article provides updated polling data and analysis, using multiple sources and maintaining a neutral stance. It does not take sides and presents the findings objectively, making it highly factual and balanced.
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8021 days ago
In the first round of the election, Iván Cepeda did not perform well in Bogotá despite winning the city. His performance was worse than Gustavo Petro's in 2022. Abelardo de la Espriella gained ground in middle-class areas of Bogotá that previously voted for the president. These areas, located mainly in the western and central-western parts of the city, where strata 3 and 4 dominate according to the Dane, now support Abelardo. Analysts suggest this result is due to de la Espriella addressing key concerns of the urban middle class, such as economic instability and insecurity, while Cepeda's camp
Bias read (Center): The article presents an analysis of electoral performance and campaign strategies without overtly favoring either candidate. It cites analysts' perspectives and does not use loaded language or one-sided sourcing.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 80): The article accurately reflects the primary source's discussion on class media voting patterns and campaign strategies. It maintains a reasonable objectivity but leans slightly toward analyzing Cepeda's strategy rather than presenting both sides equally.
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8516 days ago
The second-round presidential election in Medellín, Colombia, saw a historic voter turnout with 67.81% participation, securing a decisive victory for candidate Abelardo De la Espriella over Iván Cepeda. However, after polls closed, tensions arose at Plaza Mayor, the city’s largest polling station, due to reports of individuals carrying bats nearby and concerns about the integrity of the vote count. Citizens raised alarms on social media, urging authorities to ensure security and transparency during the preliminary vote tallying process. The situation escalated further into the evening, prompting calls for increased police presence.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the election results, the high voter turnout, and the subsequent security concerns reported by citizens. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing favoring either candidate. The focus remains on factual reporting of
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article accurately reports on the high voter turnout in Medellín and the security concerns after voting ended. It cites specific numbers and mentions the tension at Plaza Mayor without taking sides. The reporting remains neutral and factual, supporting cross-source consensus.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8519 days ago
Claudia López, former mayor of Bogotá, faces criticism on social media for her recent support of Iván Cepeda and Aida Quilcué's campaign. Although she claims not to be aligned with Gustavo Petro, her actions contradict her previous support for Petro's presidential campaigns. In June 2018, López, Petro, and Antanas Mockus signed a set of agreements aimed at addressing concerns from the Green Alliance and other sectors regarding a potential leftist government. These agreements included twelve commitments such as respecting the peace agreement, promoting private initiative, ensuring public funds'
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on public criticism of Claudia López’s political alignment and references historical agreements made by multiple figures, including Petro and Mockus. The tone remains neutral, focusing on documented events and public reactions.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This piece discusses Yeferson Cossio's financial gains from Colombia's World Cup match, citing his live updates and platform. The facts are presented clearly, though the tone leans slightly toward entertainment value, but remains objective.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8520 days ago
Claudia López, who suffered a decisive defeat in the first round of the presidential election, responded to criticism after announcing her support for Iván Cepeda and Aida Quilcué in the second-round runoff against Abelardo de la Espriella. She faced scrutiny over her shift in stance, having previously criticized Cepeda’s leftist coalition. López defended herself by stating she has never been and will never be a 'petrista' (supporter of Gustavo Petro), emphasizing her identity as a center-left figure committed to defending social causes. She also accused certain political sectors of harassment
Bias read (Center): The article presents Claudia López's statements and actions without overtly favoring any political side. It reports her defense of her position as a centrist and her critique of political opponents without taking a clear ideological stance itself.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Clearly explains the law enforcement measures and their rationale, providing factual and objective information without taking sides or using emotionally charged language.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8520 days ago
Bias read (Center): The article mentions a political shift by Claudia López from supporting Gustavo Petro to supporting Iván Cepeda, but it does not provide any framing, commentary, or sourcing that indicates a particular ideological slant. The content is purely informational without evident bias.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article explains the legal ruling by the Supreme Court regarding the use of national symbols by De La Espriella. It clearly outlines the court's decision and its implications, maintaining a neutral tone throughout. Factuality is strong due to the legal context provided.
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8014 days ago
Abelardo de la Espriella met with his campaign team to review potential cabinet members ahead of his August 7 inauguration, including names like Jaime Beltrán and Carolina Soto. The Pacto Histórico announced a new phase as opposition to the incoming government, though Iván Cepeda has not officially conceded defeat. Meanwhile, the Centro Democrático declared itself a governing party despite not receiving formal coalition signals from Abelardo. Juan Fernando Cristo acknowledged Abelardo’s victory and called for national unity, while Cepeda took responsibility for his campaign and rejected internal criticism.
Bias read (Center): The article provides balanced coverage of multiple political actors and their responses to the election results, without overtly favoring any side through language or emphasis. It includes perspectives from both the winning candidate and the losing faction, along with details on coalition formation,
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article covers multiple events accurately including Abelardo's cabinet discussions and the Uribismo declaring government status. It remains mostly objective despite mentioning political tensions.
SemanaIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 8016 days ago
Following the second-round presidential election victory of Abelardo De La Espriella in Colombia, significant unrest occurred in Cali, Valle del Cauca. Protesters engaged in acts of violence, including destroying traffic cameras and blocking roads such as Puerto Resistencia. Social media users reported widespread mobilization, with some accusing supporters of former candidate Cepeda of being responsible for the destruction. The Metropolitan Police of Cali deployed officers and armored vehicles to contain the violence. Local politician Roberto Prtíz called on authorities to protect citizens and emphasized the responsibility of Mayor Alejandro Eder, who also serves as the police commander, to maintain order.
Bias read (Conservative): The article uses loaded terms like 'terroristas' (terrorists) to describe supporters of a defeated candidate, frames the mayor's response as inadequate ('show del alcalde'), and emphasizes calls for stronger authority actions, suggesting a pro-establishment stance. The tone favors the current regime
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Accurately reports on the number of witnesses registered by both parties, aligned with official figures. Presents information neutrally without evident bias.
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8016 days ago
The mayors and governors of the Caribbean region in Colombia have reacted to the preliminary results of the second-round presidential election, which show Abelardo de la Espriella winning with 99.74% of reported ballot boxes. Leaders from cities such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Montería emphasized respect for the citizens' will, recognition of high voter turnout, and a call for dialogue between different national visions. Dumek Turbay, mayor of Cartagena, highlighted the historic 63% voter participation and celebrated democracy, urging calm and national dialogue. Yail Arana, governor of Bolívar, congratulated De la Espriella and praised the transparency of the electoral system while calling for unity. Alejandro Char, mayor of Barranquilla, stated that Colombia, democracy, and freedom won, and expressed readiness to work with the new government on development agendas.
Bias read (Center): The article presents reactions from various regional leaders to the preliminary results of a presidential election, emphasizing respect for democratic processes, high voter turnout, and calls for unity and dialogue. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the shared messages of the officials rather ve
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article provides factual information about the pre-election results and regional leaders' reactions. It maintains a relatively neutral tone by quoting officials and focusing on their calls for respect and dialogue.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7515 days ago
Ex-Vice Minister of Defense Rafael Guarín presented an analysis during a debate showing that Iván Cepeda received unusually high vote shares—over 80% and up to nearly 95%—in several municipalities in Colombia’s Putumayo region. These areas are known for illegal drug cultivation and armed groups. Guarín argued these results suggest potential electoral irregularities and called for investigations by oversight bodies and the Attorney General’s Office. He linked the high votes to the influence of illicit economies and armed organizations, which he said threaten national security. The findings were made public as the official vote count for the presidential election continued, with Abelardo De La Espriella declared the winner.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Guarín’s claims and his call for investigation without overtly endorsing or dismissing them. It includes direct quotes from him but does not provide counterarguments or alternative perspectives. However, the framing remains neutral, focusing on the presentation of data and the呼吁
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): The article presents Rafael Guarín's analysis of voting patterns in certain municipalities. While factual, it includes subjective terms like 'llamativos e importantes' suggesting potential bias.
SemanaIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 7519 days ago
Four days before the elections, former President Álvaro Uribe continued criticizing Iván Cepeda, the presidential candidate of the Pacto Histórico. Uribe compared Cepeda to his protégé Jesús Santrich, suggesting uncertainty around Cepeda’s stance on the constituent assembly. During an interview with Noticias RCN, Cepeda was asked whether there would be a constituent assembly during his four years in office, to which he responded with hesitation. Uribe shared this exchange on social media, questioning Cepeda's proposal for a national agreement.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Iván Cepeda's position on the constituent assembly as uncertain and compares him unfavorably to Jesús Santrich, a figure associated with leftist politics who has faced legal issues. The emphasis on Cepeda's hesitancy and Uribe's critical tone suggest a right-leaning perspective on
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): The article reports on Álvaro Uribe’s criticism of Iván Cepeda’s proposal, including direct quotes from both leaders. It maintains factual consistency with cross-source reporting and avoids overt bias, though there is some ideological tension between the quoted parties.
SemanaIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 7521 days ago
The article reports that Colonel (ret.) Luis Alfonso Plazas Vega has announced his support for presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of the runoff election against Iván Cepeda. Plazas Vega stated he would vote for de la Espriella, claiming he is the candidate who will save Colombia from communism and drug trafficking. The article also mentions that Cepeda has filed criminal charges against de la Espriella for alleged involvement in the 'plundering' of the healthcare system. Additionally, it references Plazas Vega's role in the military operation that reclaimed the Palace of Jur
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Abelardo de la Espriella as a savior of Colombia from 'communism and drug trafficking,' using strong ideological language. It highlights endorsements from figures like Plazas Vega, who is associated with right-wing narratives, while mentioning Cepeda’s legal actions without giving
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): This article provides a detailed account of both candidates’ campaign activities on Sunday, including De la Espriella’s religious outreach and Cepeda’s appearance on a satirical show. It remains largely descriptive and avoids overtly biased language, making it more objective compared to others, thou
SemanaIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 6017 days ago
Abelardo De La Espriella, a presidential candidate in Colombia, made an exclusive statement to Semana regarding rumors of social unrest if Iván Cepeda loses the election. He addressed the military, urging them to uphold the Constitution if necessary, stating that 'this election will not be stolen.' De La Espriella emphasized his commitment to respecting the existing constitution and warned against any attempts to undermine the electoral process. He criticized the current administration for undermining institutions and the electoral system, accusing them of fraud and vote-buying with public funds. He expressed confidence in the military’s role in upholding constitutional order.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames De La Espriella's remarks as a call to the military to enforce constitutional order, implying distrust in the current administration and suggesting potential illegitimacy of the opposition. The language used, such as 'this election will not be stolen' and accusations of fraud and猖
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 60): This article presents Abelardo De La Espriella's public statements regarding the military and election integrity. The factual content is strong, as it directly quotes the candidate. However, the tone is highly confrontational and suggests a clear political stance, reducing objectivity.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8014 days ago
The June 21, 2026 Colombian presidential election marked a significant moment in the country's political landscape, with Abelardo De La Espriella securing victory in the runoff against Senator Iván Cepeda, who received over 12.7 million votes. Following the results, supporters of Cepeda expressed their reactions online, thanking those who supported his campaign. Jimena Rugeles, the girlfriend of filmmaker Simón Brand, became a target of online harassment after expressing her support for Cepeda. She faced criticism and insults on social media, including personal attacks and derogatory comments. In response, Rugeles announced she would report all hate messages she receives, emphasizing that while disagreement is acceptable, aggression is not.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political event (an election) and includes commentary from an individual involved in the political process. However, the framing remains neutral, presenting both the election outcome and the personal experience of harassment without overtly favoring any political side. The报道
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article describes an incident during vote counting in Medellín where a security guard was detained for carrying an illegal weapon. It presents the facts neutrally, focusing on the procedural aspect without overt political bias.
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8017 days ago
On June 21, 2026, Colombia holds a presidential election, with significant attention focused on Antioquia due to its large electorate of over 5.4 million voters. In the first round, Abelardo De la Espriella received 1,723,406 votes compared to Iván Cepeda’s 805,652, particularly highlighting De la Espriella’s strong performance in Medellín, where he nearly doubled Cepeda’s vote count. Political analysts suggest that Antioquia could contribute up to 18% of the national vote, making it a crucial region for determining the outcome. Experts note that De la Espriella’s lead of nearly 30 percentage points in the region is difficult to close, especially as his potential support from third-place finisher Paloma Valencia strengthens his position. While Cepeda faces a formidable challenge in Antioquia, the final result will depend on broader national trends.
Bias read (Center): The article presents an objective analysis of the electoral dynamics in Antioquia, citing expert opinions and statistical data without overtly favoring either candidate. It highlights the significance of the region in the election but does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): This article provides polling data and probabilities based on Polymarket, which is a known source for such predictions. The information is presented clearly and consistently with other sources. Objectivity is slightly lower due to the focus on De La Espriella’s likely victory, though it remains bala
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8017 days ago
As of the day before Colombia's presidential election between Abelardo De La Espriella and Iván Cepeda, De La Espriella holds an 87% chance of winning according to Polymarket, while Cepeda has a 15% chance. This follows De La Espriella's victory in the first round of May 31 with over 10 million votes compared to Cepeda's nearly 10 million. Recent polling by AtlasIntel suggests De La Espriella would win 52.4% of the vote, versus Cepeda's 44.4%. The election will take place on June 21, with voting open from 8 AM to 4 PM local time.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from Polymarket and AtlasIntel without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports both candidates' positions and provides numerical evidence objectively, avoiding any clear ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article summarizes various polls and their findings, noting discrepancies like the Celag survey not being approved by the CNE. It presents the information objectively, highlighting both sides but maintaining neutrality. Minor bias is noted in the emphasis on De La Espriella’s lead.
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8017 days ago
The article discusses trends in online searches related to two Colombian presidential candidates, Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella, using data from Google Trends. Prior to the first round of elections, Abelardo had higher search interest, but in the last 24 hours before the election, Cepeda saw an increase in searches. The article notes that searches for Cepeda were associated with questions about his family, potential support from Sergio Fajardo, and his policies, while searches for Abelardo focused on where he lives, his vice-presidential running mate, and his proposals. Over the past seven days, Abelardo remained more prominent in searches, though Cepeda has gained ground since June 19. However, overall attention was dominated by the FIFA World Cup, making the election seem less significant in online searches for Colombia.
Bias read (Center): The article presents data objectively, comparing search trends between two political figures without overtly favoring one over the other. It provides context about the nature of Google Trends and acknowledges that these metrics do not equate to voting intentions. The framing remains neutral, simply
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article reports on Google Trends data showing shifting search interest between candidates, but clarifies that this does not measure voting intent. It presents both candidates' trends without overt bias, though some emotional language around the World Cup overshadowing the election is noted.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.