Preliminary counts in Colombia’s presidential election indicate lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella is currently in the lead. The results show a surprisingly close race against Iván Cepeda, the candidate supported by current President Gustavo Petro. Pre-election polls had predicted a more substantial margin of victory for Cepeda. A final official count, or *escrutinio*, is now necessary to confirm the outcome due to the narrow difference between the candidates. The unexpectedly tight competition suggests a potential shift in voter sentiment. This outcome challenges earlier projections and introduces uncertainty regarding the next Colombian president. The full results are anticipated to provide a clearer picture of the nation’s political direction.