Currently, de la Espriella is the frontrunner in the presidential race. A 47-year-old criminal defence lawyer with no political experience, he won the first round of voting in May with 44 percent of the ballots cast.Now, he faces left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda in the final round. Polls place him in the lead, with the research firm AtlasIntel estimating his support at 52 percent, as of June 13.De la Espriella does not fit the traditional mould of a right-wing politician. Before launching his presidential bid, he was best known for his work in court, representing a slate of controversial clients.One was former right-wing President Alvaro Uribe, accused of concealing paramilitary ties. Another was Alex Saab, a Colombian national who formerly served as a left-wing minister in Venezuela’s government.Outside the courtroom, de la Espriella has built an eclectic business empire spanning menswear, rum and whiskey. He has even released classical music albums and opened a Miami-area restaurant.Critics credit his business credentials, fiery rhetoric and slick marketing tactics with appealing to voters disenchanted with traditional politics.“De la Espriella is ahead because he has managed to channel conservative voters, attract some voters disappointed with the government, and present himself as an alternative to established political figures,” said Patricia Munoz, a po …
