FORMER guerilla fighter Gustavo Petro has made history as he became the first leftwinger to be elected Colombian president on Sunday. 

He beat businessman Rodolfo Hernandez, the former mayor of Bucaramanga, with 50.47 per cent of the vote and will take up the post next month. 

“Today is a party for the people,” Mr Petro said on Sunday night after results came in. “May so many sufferings be cushioned in the joy that today floods the heart of the homeland.”

He promised a new future for Colombia which has been in the grip of a major economic crisis, with brutal right-wing president Ivan Duque mobilising the armed forces against anti-government protesters.  

“From this government that is beginning there will never be political persecution or legal persecution, there will only be respect and dialogue,” he said, promising to listen to “that silent majority of peasants, indigenous people, women and youth.”

Mr Duque congratulated Mr Petro on his victory as Mr Hernandez conceded defeat soon after the results were announced.  

“Today the majority of citizens have chosen the other candidate. As I said during the campaign, I accept the results of this election,” he said. “I sincerely hope that this decision is beneficial for everyone.”

Francia Marquez will become the first black woman to hold the post of vice-president. 

“Today all women win,” she said as polls closed on Sunday. “We are facing the greatest possibility of change in recent times.”

Mr Petro’s election has been welcomed by progressive leaders across the region and marks another victory for the left in Latin America. 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said: “The will of the Colombian people who came out to defend the path of democracy and peace was heard. New times are in sight for this sister country.”

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo congratulated him on his “historic, democratic victory” saying they are united by a common goal to improve the lives of their people.