By Natalia Rueda Regional Elections
In the midst of regional elections in Colombia where mayors, governors and councilmen will be elected on October 29th, a routine control in the department of Meta has shocked the authorities with the unexpected discovery of war material and propaganda of FARC dissidents in the van of a political candidate.
The incident, which occurred on the road to Fuente de Oro, has raised concerns about the safety of voters in the upcoming elections. The Super Carry van, owned by Luis Gonzaga Acevedo Vélez, a candidate for mayor of San José del Guaviare, was found to be carrying AK-47 and M-16 rifles, ammunition, and camouflage uniforms. It was also found to be carrying leaflets promoting the FARC dissidents and the Historical Pact, a coalition of candidates for the Meta Assembly.
FARC
FARC, a guerrilla group that signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016, has since split into factions, and some of its members continue to engage in criminal activities and violent tactics. This group continues to pose a threat to the country’s security.
The seized material was apparently intended for the FARC, a group responsible for numerous crimes in Meta department. This revelation exposes worrying links between political candidates and illegal armed groups, casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.
This discovery also raises questions about the extent of criminal infiltration in the political arena. While Colombia has made significant progress in combating corruption and illegal activities within its government, this incident highlights the persistent impact of armed groups on the country’s political landscape.
The upcoming regional elections are crucial in determining the future of Colombia’s path to peace and development. As voters head to the polls, this finding serves as a reminder for citizens to carefully consider the candidates for whom they cast their vote and the potential implications of their choices.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident and the involvement of political candidates, the security and integrity of the electoral process must remain a top priority.
With information from Periódico Virtual