Colombians vote in referendum on peace deal, 'yes' win likely

Colombians look set to back a peace accord with Marxist rebels in a referendum on September 2, the final hurdle to a deal ending 52 years of war that calls for FARC fighters to re-enter society and form a political party.

Demonstrators take part in an event organized by supporters of the 'no' vote for the upcoming referendum on a peace deal between the government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels in Bogota, Colombia, October 1, 2016. (Credit: Reuters)
Demonstrators take part in an event organized by supporters of the 'no' vote for the upcoming referendum on a peace deal between the government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels in Bogota, Colombia, October 1, 2016. (Credit: Reuters)

The plebiscite asks for a simple "yes" or "no" on whether Colombians support the accord signed last week by President Juan Manuel Santos, who has staked his legacy on peace, and the rebel commander known as Timochenko.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), whose numbers dwindled to about 7,000 in recent years due to a U.S.-backed military offensive, have agreed to turn in weapons and fight for power at the ballot box instead of with bullets.

After four years of negotiations in Havana, the final agreement was applauded round the world. Recent polls show about two-thirds of voters are likely to ratify it.

Influential former President Alvaro Uribe has led the "no" camp, arguing that rebels should pay for crimes in jail and never be given congressional seats. But most Colombians, including even some who see the accord as too soft on the FARC, seem convinced that an imperfect peace is better than more war.

Reuters