banjalukaforum.com

The surprise victory for the "no" camp - by less than half a percentage point - was likely to shatter a sense of international jubilation - from the White House to the Vatican

Opponents of the pact believe it was too lenient on the FARC rebels by allowing them to re-enter society, form a political party and escape jail sentences.

"I voted no. I don't want to teach my children that everything can be forgiven," said Bogota engineer Alejandro Jaramillo, 35.

Colombians were asked for a simple "yes" or "no" vote on whether they supported the accord signed last Monday by Santos and the rebel commander known as Timochenko.

Under the accord, the FARC, which began as a peasant revolt in 1964, would have been able to compete in the 2018 presidential and legislative elections and have 10 unelected congressional seats guaranteed through 2026.

It would also have given up its role in the lucrative illegal drug trade and taken part in reforming rural Colombia.

But controversially, many rebel leaders who ordered killings, bombings and displacements would have had to appear before a special tribunal that could sentence them to alternative punishments like clearing landmines.

But after Sunday's vote, companies will be rethinking the situation.

Although the "no" camp has broached the idea of fresh talks, the FARC has said no group sits at a negotiating table to agree to jail time.