Monday, 11 March, 2002
Colombia Selects New Congress In Peaceful Elections
VOA
News 11
Mar 2002
 
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.
Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version
|