Ghost of far-right paramilitaries hovers over Colombia’s presidential runoff vote

Colombia's upcoming presidential runoff features two candidates with deeply contrasting histories regarding the country's paramilitary groups. The election highlights the ongoing influence of these armed forces on national politics and the country's fragile peace process.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the future of Colombia's security policy and its approach to managing the legacy of decades of civil conflict.
Supporters of the presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella at a campaign rally in Cartagena in June. Photograph: Manuel Pedraza/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Supporters of the presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella at a campaign rally in Cartagena in June. Photograph: Manuel Pedraza/AFP/Getty Images Colombia Ghost of far-right paramilitaries hovers over Colombia’s presidential runoff vote Colombians will choose on Sunday between two men whose lives have been very differently shaped by the militias, and whose visions for the country are poles apart
The article presents the backgrounds of both candidates objectively without endorsing either side.
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