The upcoming presidential election in Colombia is a deeply polarizing affair, with the nation's history of armed conflict casting a long shadow over the campaign. The election pits two contrasting visions for the country's future against each other: one rooted in the pursuit of 'total peace' through negotiations with criminal groups, and the other in a hardline approach to crime that could potentially lead to a return to the violent past. This article delves into the personal stories of two Colombians, Blanca Nubia Monroy and Sigifredo López, whose experiences with the country's conflict shape their views on the election. Monroy, who lost her son to the 'false positives' scandal, fears a return to military offensives under the hardline Abelardo de la Espriella, while López, a survivor of FARC kidnapping, supports de la Espriella's promise to restore safety. The election, marked by a wave of violence and the threat of further conflict, reflects the deep polarization within Colombian society, where the fear of a return to the past hangs heavy over the nation's future.
