Election posters for FARC candidate Luis Albán, who is campaigning for a seat in Colombia’s congress on the 8th March.
John Otis/NPR
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John Otis/NPR
BUGALAGRANDE, Colombia—A decade after former Marxist guerrillas in Colombia signed a peace treaty with the government, the challenges of transitioning from armed conflict to electoral politics are becoming evident. One such individual facing the complexities of this transition is Luis Albán, a former guerrilla member campaigning for a seat in Colombia’s congress.
At a rally in the town of Bugalagrande, Albán, a former high-ranking member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), appears reserved and unfamiliar with traditional campaign strategies. Despite his background in armed conflict, he now finds himself navigating the nuances of democratic elections.
Reflecting on his unexpected journey from guerrilla fighter to congressional candidate, Albán shares his apprehensions and aspirations for a peaceful political future. As Colombia grapples with the aftermath of decades of conflict, the FARC faces the uphill battle of gaining public trust and support in the electoral arena.
The FARC’s transition from a guerrilla group to a political entity has been marred by challenges and controversies. Despite the provisions of the 2016 peace treaty that granted the FARC political representation, the party struggles to shed its violent past and appeal to a skeptical electorate.
