Gustavo Petro Alleges Fraud Ahead of De la Espriella Inauguration

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro alleged on Monday that the June presidential election was compromised by "algorithmic, systemic electoral fraud" and foreign manipulation. Speaking in Bogota, Petro claimed programmers altered thousands of tally sheets and warned that the inauguration of an "illegitimate president" could trigger a civil war. He urged rural citizens to form "liberation guards" to resist military detachments he claims are allied with mafias.

Petro also expressed fear that he might face extradition to the United States on false charges after leaving office. His political ally, Ivan Cepeda, announced plans for protests and stated he will not recognize the new president until Abelardo de la Espriella renounces his dual U.S. citizenship.

Colombia's electoral authorities and international observers have rejected these allegations. Judges have certified the victory of De la Espriella, a conservative lawyer who defeated Cepeda by 250,000 votes. De la Espriella, who previously received an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to be sworn in this Friday for a four-year term. Reports vary on the location of the ceremony, citing either Cali or a session before Congress.