Aberaldo de la Espriella, a political newcomer campaigning on a hardline crackdown against crime, took the lead in Colombia’s first round of presidential voting Sunday with nearly 44% of the vote, setting up a June runoff against Iván Cepeda, a close ally of socialist President Gustavo Petro.

Cepeda finished second with just under 41%, while centrist candidate Paloma Valencia received less than 7%. De la Espriella, known as “El Tigre,” has positioned himself as a supporter of President Donald Trump’s approach to security and vowed to build mega-prisons and aggressively confront armed criminal groups, drawing comparisons to El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.

Cepeda and Petro immediately cast doubt on the results without providing evidence, claiming hundreds of thousands of votes were manipulated and that foreign actors interfered. Cepeda said he would not accept the outcome until electoral authorities completed a full review.

The vote reflects a broader shift across Latin America, where voters are increasingly rejecting progressive policies in favor of strong security measures to combat rising violence. Colombia has seen a resurgence of conflict despite Petro’s “total peace” negotiations with armed groups, which critics say have allowed criminals to expand territory.

De la Espriella celebrated with supporters in Barranquilla, declaring, “In 21 days we’re going to change the history of Colombia.” The runoff will likely decide whether Colombia continues Petro’s leftist agenda or pivots toward tougher law-and-order policies.