Colombia votes amid renewed security concerns : NPR

Key Points:

• In southern Colombia, a small group of 100 rebels from the Border Commandos disarmed in a ceremony, marking the only demobilization under President Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" plan, though this represents just 10% of the group’s fighters.
• The upcoming presidential runoff pits far-right candidate Abelardo De La Espriella, who promises a military crackdown on guerrillas, against left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, who supports peace negotiations, reflecting a broader rightward shift in Latin America.
• Despite the 2016 FARC peace treaty, new rebel groups involved in drug trafficking and illegal activities have grown to about 27,000 fighters, nearly doubling under Petro's administration, worsening Colombia's security situation.
• Critics argue the disarmament ceremony was largely symbolic and possibly used by the Petro government to boost support for Cepeda ahead of the election, as many rebels continue illegal operations and territorial control.
• Government officials hope the partial demobilization will encourage further surrenders, but there is concern that a potential shift to a hardline military approach under De La Espriella could undermine ongoing peace efforts.