Colombia’s president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced on Tuesday the suspension of the presidential transition process with outgoing President Gustavo Petro, accusing Petro of orchestrating a coup attempt to maintain his hold on power. This development follows Petro’s refusal to recognize de la Espriella’s victory in the June 21 runoff election, during which de la Espriella defeated the candidate supported by Petro’s coalition, Iván Cepeda.

Petro made the initial announcement on Monday, declaring that he did not acknowledge the election results due to alleged fraud, though he did not present any evidence to substantiate these claims. In response, de la Espriella posted a video on social media on Tuesday, alleging that Petro and Cepeda were implementing a plan to “cling to power at all costs” by rejecting the legitimate outcome of the vote. He described this effort as tantamount to a “coup d’état,” though he, too, did not provide supporting proof.

De la Espriella also called on the international community to oversee the transfer of power and urged his supporters to continue resisting until his scheduled inauguration on August 7. The customary presidential transition process, known in Colombia as empalme, involves outgoing administrations furnishing the president-elect with essential information and resources to facilitate a smooth transfer of responsibilities. However, this transition has been overshadowed by mutual accusations and a breakdown in cooperation between Petro and de la Espriella.

As of Tuesday, Petro had not issued a response to de la Espriella’s allegations. The political impasse raises concerns about stability in Colombia as the country approaches the handover of power amid unresolved disputes over the election’s legitimacy.