By Gustavo Petro, a former rebel, on Sunday was elected president of Colombia, making him the first leftist leader in the history of the South American country.
The Guardian reported that Petro polled 50.47 per cent of the votes in the runoff election, beating his main challenger, real estate magnate Rodolfo Hernández who had 47.27 per cent, according to results released by election authorities.
Petro’s vice-president will be Francia Márquez, a prize-winning defender of human and environmental rights, making her the first black woman to fill the post.
Petro, a former mayor, had made two successful attempts at winning the presidency before clinching his country’s top seat in his third rodeo.
“Today is a day of celebration for the people. Let them celebrate the first popular victory,” he tweeted on Sunday night.
“May so many sufferings be cushioned in the joy that today floods the heart of the Homeland.”
Shortly after results were announced, the outgoing conservative President Iván Duque has congratulated Petro on his victory.
Hernández also conceded defeat in the interest of Colombia’s institutions, hoping that Petro’s emergence as president is “beneficial for everyone”.
The 62-year-old Petro was once a guerrilla fighter with the now-defunct M-19 movement and was granted amnesty after being jailed for his involvement with the group.
He will be expected to be inaugurated in July amid a host of challenges facing Colombia, including deepening discontent over inequality and rising costs of living.
