THE FARC-EP’S RELATION TO SOCIAL CHANGE
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and working-class interests within a democratic framework” (Stokes, 2005: 75). Yet, during the rise of the party, policies of economic liberalization were being introduced to Colombia that targeted organized labor and social-based public spending. This translated into the far right perceiving the UP to be a “liability.” Members became “indiscriminately linked with the armed movements to justify repression” (Pearce, 1990a: 157). Many “hard-line antileftists” felt that: UP members were still committed to the violent overthrow of the existing system and had formed the party to undermine that system from within – a strategy whereby UP elected officials would be defending the interests of those still under arms in the back country. (Bushnell, 1993: 266) After its inception: more than one thousand UP militants were assassinated, including Jaime Pardo, its presidential candidate in 1986, and Bernardo Jaramillo, its nominee for the election of 1990 (slain before the election took place). Even more UP candidates for mayoral and city council posts were killed. (Bushnell, 1993: 266) Over 70 percent of all presidential candidates in 1990 – and 100 percent from left-of-centre parties – were murdered (Braun, 2003: 232). From an ideological and strategic position it became beneficial for some to associate political
1986 1984 1982 1980 1978 1974 1970 0.0
0.5
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 Percentage of vote for the Colombian electoral left
4.5
5.0
Figure 7.2 National percentage showings of left candidates in congressional elections, 1970–86 (UP –1986) Sources: Stokes, 2005: 76; Osterling, 1989: 197; Ratliff, 1976: 69.
