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Colombians to vote on agreement on Sunday

Reporter: Michelle Begue 丨 CCTV.com

10-02-2016 08:13 BJT

On Sunday local time, Colombians will vote on the Peace Agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia's guerilla group, the FARC. 

To end 52 years of armed conflict the Colombian people have one more task . This Sunday they must mark Yes on their ballots.

The peace deal reached between the Colombian government and the leftist FARC rebel group will be put up for a final vote in a plebiscite.

While the International community saw a celebration on September 26th when the government and rebel group formally signed the peace agreement - the truth is Colombians are polarized leading up to the October 2nd vote.

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

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

The latest poll published 5 days before the vote shows the NO campaign is loosing. 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.

At ceremonies celebrating the Peace Deal citizens expressed their motivation for voting Yes on Sunday. 

"I hope the yes votes wins for all Colombians, because the people who suffer most from this war are those who live in conflict zones. So hopefully peace prospers for them," Student Santiago Volante said.


"We hope people can go back to their rural homes, that they not be afraid and terrorized by death. We all want to do our part and put faith in the peace process," Businesswoman Marlene Solarte said.

After 4 years of negotiations in Havana, Cuba, the decisive moment for Colombia's peace deal will come down to the 8 hours of voting come Sunday.

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