Two candidates from the Citizen Convergence Party: Gartiniano Murcia and Liliana Polania were shot campaigning in the south-western province of Caqueta. They were visiting the town of El Diamante on Tuesday, October 23 when the killing had happened. So far, most of the deaths are blamed on the far-left FARC movement. The FARC itself can be considered as a terrorist organization.
The Interior Minister Carlos Holguin explained to a local radio station that the two candidates were urged by authorities not to go into that area. He explains that while the murders are still being investigated, he believed that this is the work of FARC.
As a result of the killings, security has been increased ahead of the polls.
Colombia’s President Alvaro Uribe announced the previous week that a reward of twenty-five thousand dollars will be issued for any information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible for those murders.
This Sunday, the people will vote to fill up to fifteen thousand regional posts such as governors, mayors, members, and municipal officials. One can expect security to be very tight during elections.