Colombian elections fuel hope for a peaceful future

The sun has risen on a new Colombia, with its first civil war free Congressional Elections today. James Blears reports that the ex Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, now known as the political party The Common Alternative Revolutionary Force are taking part.

By James Blears

Still known as the FARC, candidates of the the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force aren't expected to make much of an impact at the ballot box, as memories are long and tempers are still short. Under the peace Agreement signed in November 2016, they're guaranteed ten Congressional seats in this Election.

The conservative leaning Center Democratic Party, led by former President Alvaro Uribe, which is implacably opposed to the FARC and condemned the peace accord ending 52 years of conflict, is expected to perform strongly. FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, previously known as Timochenko has pulled out of May's Presidential Election, after undergoing heart surgery this last Wednesday.

Thirty six million people are eligible to vote in these historic Congressional Elections today. Ballot boxes and not bullets have finally triumphed. The eyes of the World are focused on a new Colombia.

Listen to James Blears' report