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. Monday, 11 March, 2002


Colombia Selects New Congress In Peaceful Elections

VOA News
11 Mar 2002
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Colombian voters have selected a new Congress in largely peaceful balloting held under unprecedented security. Results of the voting are expected Monday. 

Some 150,000 troops were mobilized throughout the country to protect polling areas. Officials say only 15 municipalities canceled Sunday's vote after leftist rebels destroyed ballots or kidnapped election personnel. 

There were no reports of attacks on civilians. Officials say some rebel fighters were killed in clashes with the military. 

The election came less than three weeks after President Andres Pastrana severed peace negotiations with the country's largest leftist rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. 

Since the collapse, the rebel group, known as the FARC, has intensified its attacks on the country's infrastructure. 

Officials blame the rebels for blowing up electricity towers and bridges, which made it difficult for rural voters to travel to the polls. Campaigning in isolated areas was also dangerous, as rebels have targeted lawmakers for attacks and kidnappings. 

The FARC had said voters in certain regions would be military targets. After voting Sunday, President Pastrana said Colombians will defeat terrorism with their ballots. 

The Organization of American States sent election observers to the region. 

About 24 million people were eligible to cast ballots in the election that will select more than 260 congressional seats. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.

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