FARC Presidential Candidate 'Will Consult the People' First

FARC's 2018 presidential candidate Rodrigo Londono, known as 'Timochenko,' has announced that he will first seek the approval of the people before formally launching his campaign in the Colombian elections.

RELATED:
Timochenko Considers Quitting Leadership of FARC's New Party

In a video posted on Twitter, the leader of the Revolutionary Alternative Force of the Commons said: “I've never refused a task since I've been with the FARC, but I do wish to consult the opinion of the people before I make my decision.”

Londono, who has been receiving medical treatment in Cuba, did not give further details about the date or procedures involved in the consultation.

The FARC is still awaiting legalization of its newly established political party by Colombia's National Electoral Council before it can formally register its presidential candidate and congresspeople.

Under the terms of the peace accord, they are entitled to hold 10 automatic seats in Congress through 2026 and may campaign for more.

Both legislative and presidential elections are set for 2018, and the party has said it plans to reach out to ideological allies in a bid to form a coalition without abandoning existing commitments to land reform and social justice.

The FARC is currently facing many obstacles as it attempts to transform from a guerrilla group into a legitimate political party.

Leaders have repeatedly accused Juan Manuel Santos' administration of failing to properly implement the peace accord signed a year ago, while social leaders and FARC members are still being murdered by paramilitary forces across the country.