FARC's Rocky Road to Electoral Politics: A Challenging Transition Ten Years On

Ten years after signing a peace treaty with the Colombian government, former Marxist guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are finding the transition to electoral politics profoundly challenging. The 2016 accord allowed FARC members to disarm and seek elected office, granting them 10 seats in Colombia's Congress for two four-year terms, a period set to conclude this year.

The 2016 accord granted FARC members 10 seats in Colombia's Congress for two four-year terms, a period set to conclude this year.

Luis Albán, a 68-year-old former high-ranking FARC member who spent 40 years as a clandestine figure, is campaigning to retain his congressional seat. Despite his eight years in Congress, learning legislative processes, Albán and other FARC candidates face significant hurdles in securing votes in upcoming elections.

Factors Contributing to FARC's Electoral Difficulties

Observations from experts indicate several factors contributing to the FARC's electoral struggles:

• Negative Public Perception:

  The name "FARC" is widely associated with its wartime involvement in massacres, extortion, and kidnappings, making it a toxic brand for voters.
  Many Colombians, like appliance salesman Nielson Muñoz, whose brother-in-law was killed by guerrillas, express reluctance to vote for former combatants.

• Strategic Missteps:
  The FARC's initial decision to retain the name "FARC" for its political party is seen as a major error, hindering its ability to move beyond its violent past. The party also allowed veteran commanders accused of war crimes and drug trafficking to occupy congressional seats, drawing criticism and boycotts from other lawmakers.

• Naiveté about Support:
  The FARC reportedly misjudged the continued support it would receive from populations in former guerrilla territories once it disarmed.

• "FARC Dissidents" Impact:
  The rearming of disillusioned former FARC rebels, now known as "FARC dissidents," further complicates the political party's efforts to present itself as a peace-loving democratic entity.

A Contrast in Transitions: The Case of Gustavo Petro

In contrast to the FARC's struggles, Gustavo Petro, a former member of the M-19 rebel army, successfully transitioned to politics, serving in Congress, as mayor of Bogotá, and eventually becoming president in 2022. This demonstrates that such transitions are indeed possible with effective political strategy.

Outlook: An Anticipated Electoral Wipeout

Analysts from the Ideas for Peace Foundation predict an electoral wipeout for the FARC. They anticipate the loss of all 10 assigned congressional seats and potentially the legal status of its political party.

Analysts from the Ideas for Peace Foundation predict an electoral wipeout for the FARC, anticipating the loss of all 10 assigned congressional seats and potentially the legal status of its political party.

Despite these significant challenges, Luis Albán continues his campaign efforts, though attendance at his rallies remains notably low.