Bogota, October 3 (RHC)-- In Colombia's plebiscite on Sunday, there was a powerful, right-wing "No" campaign led by former President Alvaro Uribe and big landowners that took the stage. And even though the vote is non-binding, these forces are opposed to even the remote possibility of a redistribution of wealth.
Uribe has been at the center of the 'No' campaign, arguing that agreeing to a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia would be akin to rewarding the rebels for years of violence and alleged drug trading. It is well-documented, however, that it is actually the landowners and Uribe himself that are tied to paramilitary violence and drug-trafficking.
Uribe argues that the FARC-EP has limited support and the government will be agreeing to concessions with -- in his words -- terrorists, which could never have been achieved through the legitimate political process.
While the 'No' camp was small, it was a powerful group and makes up the ruling elite. From their perspective, Colombia's society and economy has for decades been "captured" by the illegitimate activities of the rebel group. Uribe, with his staunch right-wing ideology, has warned that a deal with the rebels would ruin the economy and push Colombia towards socialism.
The 'No' campaign has had the luxury of the support of the mainstream media, including RCN, which is being investigated for supporting paramilitaries. But polls released by RCN itself just days before the voting said that the "Yes" was leading 66 percent to 34 percent for "No."
Powerful Right-wing Forces and Big Landowners Pushed the 'No' Vote for Peace
Related Articles
Commentaries
MAKE A COMMENT
All fields requiredMore Views
- Brazil's veto of Venezuela's request for association with BRICS burst PT's narrative bubble
- Cuba congratulates Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on 45 years of independence
- Demonstrations against Washington's blockade of Cuba take place in cities across the United States and around the world
- Yamundú Orsi and Álvaro Delgado advance to the second round of the presidential elections in Uruguay
- Demonstrations against the blockade of Cuba in several cities in the United States