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Original article: Colombia al rojo vivo: Cepeda denuncia presunto autoatentado para torcer segunda vuelta

Colombia in Turmoil: Cepeda Alleges Candidate’s Self-Sabotage to Disrupt Upcoming Runoff

Presidential candidate for Colombia’s ruling Pacto Histórico, Iván Cepeda has filed allegations of a supposed «self-sabotage» plot orchestrated by his rival, far-right candidate Abelardo De la Espriella, aimed at manipulating the electoral runoff.

In a post shared on his social media account X, Cepeda revealed that he received various reports concerning a plan allegedly being developed within De la Espriella’s campaign. He indicated that this plan involves «fabricating a controlled self-sabotage» with the intention of influencing the final election outcomes.

According to Cepeda, the supposed incident is expected to occur in the days leading up to June 21, the date of the presidential runoff in the South American nation.

Given this situation, the senator announced that he will report the information to Colombia’s Attorney General to initiate appropriate investigations.

«In light of these circumstances, I will inform the Attorney General of the Nation about this situation so that due verifications can be conducted,» he stated.

Additionally, he mentioned that he will provide the information to the National Protection Unit (UNP) to assess the situation and implement additional security measures for his opponent, if deemed necessary.

«Likewise, I am sharing this information with the National Protection Unit to, if necessary, enhance the protective measures for De la Espriella and his vice-presidential running mate,» emphasized the ruling party candidate.

Dirty Tactics of the Far Right with AI and Trump’s Interference in Elections

It’s important to note that Cepeda announced over the weekend that he will take legal action against Abelardo De la Espriella for allegedly using artificial intelligence to disseminate false content, as well as for a presumed vote-buying scheme and financial irregularities in the far-right candidate’s campaign.

According to the complaint lodged by Cepeda’s Pacto Histórico team—published on June 6, 2026—digitally manipulated videos, images, and audio have circulated over the past few weeks, depicting the senator dressed in military attire, making statements he never made, or being involved in altered scenes using artificial intelligence. The aim, they claim, is to «intimidate, misinform, and discredit» the presidential aspirant.

Cepeda also requested that the relevant authorities conduct a “audit of the resources invested in digital advertising and social media strategies related to De la Espriella’s campaign,” as reported by RTVC Noticias.

During an event in Cali last Saturday, he urged De la Espriella to “quickly appoint representatives responsible for negotiating the conditions of a presidential debate” and noted that he will send formal invitations to RCN, Caracol, and RTVC to host the event.

The progressive candidate also criticized the backing expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump for De la Espriella’s candidacy, alleging that it constitutes interference in Colombia’s internal affairs during the presidential runoff campaign.

La entrada Colombia in Turmoil: Cepeda Alleges Candidate’s Self-Sabotage to Disrupt Upcoming Runoff se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.