AKIPRESS.COM - Conservative political newcomer Iván Duque has been elected president of Colombia, BBC reported.

At a victory rally in the capital Bogotá, he pledged to unite the country following a divisive campaign.

But he said he wants to see changes to the historic but controversial peace deal agreed with Farc rebels in 2016.

Mr Duque, who won 54% of the vote, says he will overhaul the agreement that guaranteed the rebels seats in Congress and allowed them to contest elections.

He also says he will impose tougher punishments on crimes allegedly committed by the rebels during the brutal five-decade conflict with the government.

"With humility and honour, I tell the Colombian people that I will give all my energies to unite our country. No more divisions," he told a crowd of jubilant supporters.

"I will not govern with hatred."

Mr Duque is viewed as the business-friendly choice because he wants to cut taxes and boost investment, raising money by shrinking the state.

His running mate, Marta Lucía Ramirez, will become Colombia's first female vice-president.