Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing candidate, is leading in Colombia's presidential election, with almost all votes counted, as people hope he will reduce crime and improve the economy.

De la Espriella has 49.7% of the vote, and his rival Iván Cepeda has 48.7%, with a difference of 248,000 votes, according to the initial count. De la Espriella is winning. Cepeda is behind. The votes are almost all counted.

Cepeda promised to continue the policies of President Gustavo Petro, including helping the poor and talking to armed groups.

De la Espriella blames Petro for the country's problems and wants to stop talking to rebels, increase oil production, lower taxes, and reduce the government size, but keep some popular social programs.

A supporter of de la Espriella said this is a victory for Colombia and a change after four years without a clear direction.

The new president will have to deal with a lot of debt and a divided Congress, which could make it hard to make changes.

Over 41 million people could vote, and more than 26 million did, with some voting blank as a protest. Many people voted.

Colombians in Canada also voted in the presidential election.

Cepeda's supporters hope that checking the votes again could give them the win, and Petro shared videos that he said showed cheating, but said to wait for the final count.

A Cepeda supporter said they hope to recover votes with the help of lawyers.

In some areas of Bogota, people cheered and honked car horns to celebrate.

Petro's peace talks have not worked, and crime has increased in some areas.

De la Espriella says Petro and Cepeda are friends with criminals, but Petro's government says they have seized a lot of cocaine.

Cepeda criticized de la Espriella for working with people involved in corruption and paramilitary groups, including a man accused of laundering money for the Venezuelan president.

De la Espriella said his work with these people does not mean he is involved in any crimes.

De la Espriella says he is not guilty of any crimes.

Some Colombians are worried that Trump might target their country next.

Trump has been increasing his country's presence in the region and endorsed de la Espriella, saying the election results are important for Colombia's relationship with the US.

Trump endorsed de la Espriella and said the election results are important for Colombia and its relationship with the US.