BOGOTÁ — Colombia’s outgoing President Gustavo Petro has again accused Israel and the United States of influencing the country’s presidential election, claiming that foreign technology was used to manipulate the voting process.
Petro alleged that election software provided by an Israeli company was involved in altering election results, but Colombian electoral authorities have rejected the accusations, saying there was no evidence of fraud or irregularities in the administration of the vote.
The president’s claims have intensified political tensions in Colombia as the country prepares for a transition of power. Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, has urged his supporters to defend his government’s social and economic reforms, warning against attempts by the incoming administration to reverse labour and social policies.
The president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has promised a major change in direction, including a plan to reduce government spending by 40% and strengthen Colombia’s traditional alliances with the United States and Israel.
De la Espriella has also suggested moving Colombia’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that would represent a significant diplomatic shift and place Colombia among a small number of countries recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital through embassy relocation.
The political transition comes amid deep divisions over Colombia’s economic future, foreign policy, and the legacy of Petro’s reform agenda. Analysts say the coming months will test the country’s democratic institutions as the new government seeks to implement its priorities while facing opposition from Petro’s supporters.
