Colombia held a presidential election on June 21, 2026, resulting in the victory of conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. He defeated the left-wing incumbent Gustavo Petro, marking a return to right-wing governance after four years. The election was closely watched internationally, particularly regarding Colombia's foreign policy.
One area of potential change is Colombia's stance on Western Sahara. Under President Petro, Colombia had maintained a position supportive of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Polisario Front. De la Espriella, a conservative, may align more closely with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara and has proposed an autonomy plan.
As of June 23, 2026, de la Espriella has not yet taken office (the inauguration is scheduled for August 7, 2026). However, his campaign statements suggested a shift toward strengthening ties with Morocco and other traditional allies. Analysts predict that Colombia could recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, following the lead of the United States and several other nations.
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which controls parts of Western Sahara, has expressed concern over the election result. The Polisario Front called for continued international support for self-determination. The United Nations continues to advocate for a negotiated solution to the long-standing dispute.
