Petro repeats fraud claims as Colombia prepares to inaugurate rival

Colombia’s outgoing President Gustavo Petro on Monday reiterated fraud claims in the June election narrowly lost to conservative Abelardo de la Espriella, alleging manipulation by electoral authorities, which they and international observers have dismissed. De la Espriella is set to be sworn in Friday, while Petro ally Ivan Cepeda plans protests. Analysts warn Petro’s rhetoric may deepen polarization, especially after he urged rural “liberation guards” to resist military detachments.