Colombia’s largest guerrilla movement declared a unilateral cease-fire for the upcoming elections on Monday, saying the pause is meant to reduce tensions as political violence – including attacks, kidnappings and threats against candidates – continues to escalate nationwide.
The country will elect new members of Congress on March 8 and a successor to leftist President Gustavo Petro on May 31.
The National Liberation Army (ELN) typically orders temporary truces during election periods and major holidays.
Ostensibly a leftist insurgent force, the 6,000-strong ELN doubles as one of Latin America's most powerful drug-trafficking organizations.
Petro's administration has abandoned unsuccessful efforts to negotiate peace with the ELN and experts say it has grown stronger recently thanks to cocaine revenues.
