Colombia: Historic referendum on peace deal

(Baonghean.vn) - On October 2, Colombian voters went to the ballot boxes to participate in a referendum on the historic peace agreement signed between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on September 26.

People gathered in a large square in the capital Bogota to celebrate the historic peace agreement. Photo: Getty

Nearly 34.9 million Colombian voters took part in a referendum on a peace deal, paving the way for an end to 52 years of bloody armed conflict in the country.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos affirmed that in order to have a lasting peace, the people have the right to "stamp" through a referendum to ensure the legality of the above document.

200 international observers from 25 countries monitored the process. Voters voted to accept or reject the agreement. Voting was not mandatory.

According to President Santos, the Government has no backup plan and in case the people say no to the signed document, the agreement will be canceled.

Polls ahead of the vote suggest that 55% to 66% of voters will support the peace deal, with around 35% against it. Opponents say the deal will allow FARC fighters to escape justice for their crimes and will not address the war on drugs.

FARC leader Timoleon Jimenez signs the final peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC in Cartagena on September 26, 2016. Photo: Xinhua.

After 4 years of persistent negotiations with the efforts and goodwill of the Government and FARC, with the support of mediators, a peace agreement between the two sides has been reached. In case the agreement is approved, nearly 8,000 FARC fighters will disarm at 27 locations under the supervision of 500 UN experts and then this organization will legally participate in Colombian political life as a political party.

Colombian Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas has vowed to ensure security for the referendum. Earlier, the National Liberation Army of Colombia (ELN), the second largest armed group in the South American country, announced that it would halt military operations to facilitate the referendum. Mr. Villegas expressed hope that the ELN would comply with the above statement.

The peace deal in Colombia can only be approved if it has at least 4.4 million votes in favor, equivalent to 13% of Colombia's registered voters, and must be higher than the number of votes against.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP)