<p>On Sunday, Colombia will elect a new president. A Trump-endorsed outsider, Abelardo de la Espriella, nicknamed ‘The Tiger,’ is now ahead in the polls, and within striking distance of the presidency. His platform promises a military crackdown on narcoterrorism and closer collaboration with the United States.</p><p>Many Latin American nations have shifted to the right in recent elections, and the Colombia vote is seen as a crucial litmus test for the wider region’s political landscape. Could Colombia be the next country in Latin America take a hard turn to the right? And how might that benefit President Donald Trump? We speak to BBC South America correspondent, Ione Wells.</p><p>Producers: Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin</p><p>Executive producer: Bridget Harney</p><p>Mix: Travis Evans</p><p>Video producer: Matt Pintus</p><p>Senior news editor: China Collins</p><p>Phto: Colombian right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella. REUTERS/Cesar Quiroz</p>

The Global Story

BBC World Service

Could Trump-backed ‘El Tigre’ become the next president of Colombia?

JUN 18, 202627 MIN
The Global Story

Could Trump-backed ‘El Tigre’ become the next president of Colombia?

JUN 18, 202627 MIN

Description

<p>On Sunday, Colombia will elect a new president. A Trump-endorsed outsider, Abelardo de la Espriella, nicknamed ‘The Tiger,’ is now ahead in the polls, and within striking distance of the presidency. His platform promises a military crackdown on narcoterrorism and closer collaboration with the United States.</p><p>Many Latin American nations have shifted to the right in recent elections, and the Colombia vote is seen as a crucial litmus test for the wider region’s political landscape. Could Colombia be the next country in Latin America take a hard turn to the right? And how might that benefit President Donald Trump? We speak to BBC South America correspondent, Ione Wells.</p><p>Producers: Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin</p><p>Executive producer: Bridget Harney</p><p>Mix: Travis Evans</p><p>Video producer: Matt Pintus</p><p>Senior news editor: China Collins</p><p>Phto: Colombian right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella. REUTERS/Cesar Quiroz</p>