[hannibalhorn]

Did you read it?

I see that they're guaranteed 5 (out of 100) senate seats, which by my math is definitely not 10-30%. I doubt most normal folks will vote for them, especially in the countryside where people have been the most affected by the conflict.

Yes, those responsible for war crimes - on all sides - (police, soliders, paramilitary, as well as the rebels) have the opportunity to confess before a tribunal and avoid jail time. It will be up to judges, but they will receive up to 8 years of restricted movement and community service (whatever that may be.) This is definitely the most controversial part of the agreement, as 95% of the country feels these folks are crooks and should be punished.

I could go on - I'm an American and have lived in Colombia for about 6 years now, and see an entire country that has been held back due to this stupid war - the agreement isn't perfect, but this needs to be put to bed, so the country can move forward. After having just seen the whole "brexit" fiasco, I'm a little worried about how this is being put to a referendum and seeing so much disinformation being spread. Even on an English speaking tech news site.

[simonmd]

Yes I read it. Word by word. I am born and raised colombian, and for over 40 years have seen the result of sacrificing justice for short term gains or individual vanity. It's not 5 seats. It's 5 in the senate, 5 in congress, and 16 in special circumscription where only FARC friendly candidates can participate.

They have massive amounts of money stashed for the upcoming campaigns, and by now you should be aware that money buys regional candidates in Colombia. Add to that fear of FARC retaliation in areas where the government now will have NO presence during elections or afterwards. (they have strategically left Frente Primero out of the accord, to handle the residual drug operation and armed coercion).

"Confessing" to war crimes and crimes against humanity does not constitute appropriate punishment under any international standard. The International Criminal Court and Human Rights Watch have both been quite clear that no jail time would be unacceptable.

You have lived here barely enough to have only seen Santos as president, who has done absolutely NOTHING except push his narcissistic agenda forward, at the expense of justice, economy and the independence of the branches of power. I am old enough to know colombia's problem is not 17,000 asshole terrorists in the jungle, it is LACK OF JUSTICE at every level, with politicians, guerrillas, paramilitaries etc. Sacrificing justice to appease one criminal entity is exactly why my country cannot 'move forward'.