Colombia's House of Representatives suspended the vote on the referendum on the re-election of President Alvaro Uribe late Tuesday after more than half of the lawmakers declared themselves impeded to vote because of a pending preliminary investigation against them by the Supreme Court.
The surprising massive move of coalition Representatives to declare themselves impeded to vote made the actual vote on the referendum impossible as every impediment needed to be voted on first.
Representatives who had the opportunity to speak declared they were impeded to vote by the pending preliminary investigation by the country's Supreme Court into their allegedly illegal approval of a preceding referendum.
The same coalition Representatives then, one by one, denied the impediments of their colleagues, making them able to vote.
The session was adjourned just before midnight after ten of the impediments were resolved.
The House will debate again on Wednesday at 3PM to vote on the remaining 80 impediments before proceeding to vote on the referendum. The bill allowing the referendum will need the approval of a majority of at least 84 Representatives.
The referendum is to ask the Colombian people if a president is allowed to seek a third consecutive term. This is currently not allowed by the constitution.
Andrewmann552
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... How can any Colombian with dignity continue supporting the Uribe regime? These are his allies in congress? A bunch of corrupt puppets who can't even vote because they are under investigation by the Supreme Court? This is quite ridiculous, it is quite clear this referendum smells and looks corrupt, just pure gangster politics. |
lampltr
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... Andrew, you have better ideas for the people? Time will tell how all turns out and if the people choose Uribe once again or a new face of change. There are still many regions where people do not have the pleasure of voting but have a curfew imposed to prevent. You also have worthwhile suggestions for this also? |
Andrewmann552
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... I do have a better idea: How's about Colombia's workers form a new party that actually represents the masses? Do you believe Jorge Elicier Gaitan would like what Colombia is under Uribe? The second biggest refugee crisis after Sudan, not even Iraq tops Colombia in that category, more poverty than there was eight years ago, paramilitaries threatening universities, SEVEN U.S. military bases on Colombian soil. I think a fresh alternative would be better than Uribe's coalition, half of whom should be in prison. |
Luis Rendon
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... Andrew.....you're an idiot. You should really educate yourself before you speak. I suppose you really believe not having Uribe in office will actually help with the refugee crisis? Because all the socialist ideas and methods really worked before???!!! You're probably just pissed off because you didnt get your drug shipment in this month thanks to the Uribe government and the US help. If Uribe doesnt make it another term his policies will. |
Adriaan
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... @ Luis Rendon, Calling people idiots because you disagree with them is not helping a healthy discussion on any topic and is not convincing anyone of your point. If you want to take part in the discussion, please do so in an adult manner and try not being a jerk, please. |
Marc Bois
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... Uribe has turned Colombia around, the people of Colombia should honor him and respect him. But I feel it is important that Colombia can show that it can survive and prosper in changing from one President to another like it is done in the U.S. Canada and throughout Western Europe. I understand why Uribe is hesitate in leaving his post. On the other hand one more term would not hurt! And by the way, Andrewmann552 when was the last time you have been to Colombia? I was just there last month things are going great. Eight years ago I would of risk my life traveling in the country, I know many people who were kidnapped. Now they live their life free of worry and fear. You need to wake up and grow up! Colombia is free! Not like it's neighbors |
Luis Rendon
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... i apologize to everyone for seeming like a jerk. i guess im the one thats irritated. I trust Uribe.....but then again....i have to admit....im a little unsure about a 3rd term. Not for having Uribe as president again...but id be afraid of getting a chavez or correa like president for 3 terms in the future. im really looking forward to fridays debate in Argentina on all the issues. lets all sit back and watch these two fools burn! however this turns out ....history will tell how colombia changed its image in the world under Uribe. |
