BREAKING NEWS

Colombians divided as vote on peace deal approaches

By REUTERS

OCTOBER 2, 2016 13:15

Opinions are divided among Colombians who will vote Sunday on whether or not to support the peace deal reached between the country's government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

While the international community saw a celebration on September 26 when the government and rebel group formally signed the peace agreement, the truth is Colombians are polarized leading up to the vote.

At opposing rallies on the same day of the signing ceremony, people held signs and chanted slogans either supporting or denouncing the agreement in an effort to have their voices heard.

Opposition to the peace agreement has been led by former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. One of the arguments to vote no is that the deal is too lenient on the FARC rebels.

"Those agreements that allow complete impunity, including for atrocious crimes, will allow for an economic agenda similar to Hugo Chavez's, and will not bring peace in Colombia nor economic or social well-being," said Uribe.

The latest poll published five days before the vote shows the no campaign is losing. One poll shows 66 percent of Colombians would vote yes against 34 percent that would vote no. The second poll has a closer 55 percent responding yes with 36 percent voting no.

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