La Parapolítica en Casanare: un ataque a la democracia

Abstract

The present work explores the evolution of paramilitarism in Colombia, from its early vestiges to its influence on local politics, specifically in the Casanare region. Reference is made to what is known as the first and second generation of this armed group, until reaching the idea of a supra-organization or federation of all existing blocs within the national territory known as the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), which would end with a change in ideologies, aimed at obtaining political power, which ended up being the genesis of a national electoral phenomenon known as Parapolítica. However, some Blocs did not adhere to this idea, as was the case of the Peasant Self-Defense Forces of Casanare (ACC), who, despite their differences, ended up imitating the actions of the AUC, and managed to seize political power in the Casanare department, which ended with the conviction of mayors, governors and congressmen, the most well-known case being the Pacto de Casanare. Since the ACC only exerted influence on regional dynamics, their alliance with the political circle did not attract national attention. However, on the 20th anniversary of this event, this article seeks to analyze the influence that this armed group had on the democracy of the department.