And if they can increase the rate of abstention by scaring people away from voting, that would rob Uribe of some of his electoral legitimacy. |
If these incidents are repeated and they happen frequently, it could have a more serious effect on the president's popularity and credibility. |
In practice he has been able to reduce crime statistics, like kidnapping and homicide, in the major cities. |
Most paramilitary power is still intact and it is logical to think they will gain power as they go from being a military force to a political and economic force linked to the cocaine trade and other criminal enterprises. |
The paramilitaries played a decisive role in this election, particularly in the northern part of the country. |